As the oldest of four children, Rivkah is a natural leader. Her mom,
Amanda, describes her as an adventurous go-getter who yearns
to try new things. She also enjoys drawing, roller skating and riding
her bike. But Amanda also refers to Rivkah as a warrior princess.
“She’s been through a lot,” she said. “She’s been a real trooper.”
Rivkah was just 2 years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia.
She and her siblings had colds, and Rivkah’s fever kept returning.
An ER visit led to a blood draw, which led to her diagnosis.
“It was very shocking,” Amanda said. Rivkah went on to spend
months in and out of the hospital. Rivkah recalled, “It was a children’s
hospital, so I liked that they had toys there, but I didn’t like being sick.”
Rivkah leaned on her favorite movie, “Frozen,” to escape the pain and fear she was experiencing. “It really helped her through all her treatments,” Amanda said. “She loved to sing with the songs. She loved [Olaf], and she wanted to see snow so that she could sing the songs and build the snowman just like Anna and Elsa.”
Today, Rivkah is healthy and has been in remission for two years. “Her treatment took a lot out of her,” said Rivkah’s dad, Kyle. “It’s good to see her where she is now, after she was so ill for so long.” For her wish, her family excitedly traveled to the Wisconsin Dells to experience snow tubing, snowman building, playful snowball fights and valuable quality time together in a cozy cabin. “I liked tubing, but my teeth got cold when I went down the hill,” Rivkah said.
“[This wish is] like a closure to everything she’s gone through,” Amanda said. “This is that light at the end of the tunnel, where she can have this joy and relief. It’s a great way to end something that was a hard journey.” Rivkah’s wish was also a chance for her to reclaim her childhood, in exactly the way she imagined. “It’s really special that Rivkah got to choose something that is just for her,” Amanda said. “Throughout her treatments, she wasn’t able to have a choice in what was happening. This is a big thing for her to actually choose what’s important to her.”
Rivkah's Story
"The most significant thing about Make-A-Wish is that it helps put a smile on a kid’s face. Kids in a situation like Rivkah’s have already gone through a hard time in life. It’s good for them to have a smile."
- Kyle, Rivkah's dad
Thank you for continuing to help make life-changing wishes come true for children with critical illnesses!
We look forward to granting even more magical wishes together in 2024.
I wish to have a "Cinderella"-themed birthday
Yee Kan, 4
leukemia
As 4-year-old Yee Kan endured leukemia treatments, thinking of Disney’s
“Cinderella” helped spark her imagination with joyful thoughts.
What would it be like to sit in a pumpkin carriage? Or to try on a
sparkly glass slipper?
When presented with a wish, Yee Kan wanted to live her own
fairytale – she wished to have a “Cinderella”-themed birthday.
Finally, Yee Kan arrived at the Cinderella Suite in the Hong Kong
Disneyland® Hotel, where she kicked off her wish day with a festive
treasure hunt. Then, the birthday princess ventured into the Hong Kong
Disneyland® Park to enjoy rides with her family. But the most wonderful moment was when Cinderella showed up to surprise Yee Kan with special birthday blessings. Yee Kan was
speechless as she marvelled at her beloved princess. Ending her day on the Cinderella Carousel, Yee Kan shared hugs with everyone. Rejuvenated with hope and joy, Yee Kan and her family will carry their magical wish memories well into the future.
Yee Kan's Story
In the year ahead, a child’s joy will be a light of hope for all of us.
I wish to see snow
Rivkah, 6
leukemia
Happy New Year from Your Friends at Make-A-Wish
For children with critical illnesses, a wish can be transformative, bringing hope, strength and joy so they can forget about treatment and just be a kid.
Together, Disney and Make-A-Wish have made more than 150,000 wishes come true over the course of their 43-year relationship.
Thank you!
I wish to see snow
Rivkah, 6
leukemia
®