According to statistics, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a new wish every 34 minutes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The foundation allows these children and their families to live the child’s most desired wish.
For one 7-year-old from Dallas, Texas, her dream was to meet Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, she got to experience her wish and it was a week she’ll never forget. The viral photos shared by her aunt have gone on to touch thousands of hearts.
Daisy Perez was born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. She has already endured several surgeries in her short life.
Daisy, along with her siblings, mother Claudia, and aunt Patricia, spent a week in Orlando with Make-A-Wish. The family toured Sea World, Universal Studios, and Legoland, and even went indoor skydiving, but the highlight of Daisy’s trip was meeting Belle at Walt Disney World.
It was while they were at Epcot that Daisy finally got to meet her favorite princess. The little girl was even dressed like her hero in a yellow ballgown. Belle stopped to chat and take some pictures, but then she did something really special for Daisy.
“My sister told Belle that she was the main reason Daisy wanted to go to Disney World as her wish,” Patricia said. “Belle was so touched that she asked us if we had any plans afterward, and when we said no, she said, ‘Great! What if I take you on a tour of France?’“
Daisy was so excited about the tour that, according to her aunt, she “started bawling her little eyes out from happiness.”
After chatting with other guests, Belle took Daisy by the hand and guided her around the park.
“It was special and sweet and everyone walking around was smiling at the very precious sight,” Patricia said. “It was honestly too cute for words.”
Daisy’s fun didn’t end there. She danced with the Beast, Goofy, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. She enjoyed her trip so much that she didn’t want to return home!
“She woke up this morning and said, ‘I want to live here forever,’” Claudia laughed.
The family is grateful to the staff at the Give Kids The World Village, the nonprofit resort where they stayed, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but they were especially touched by the cast member who played Belle. “She made Daisy’s trip a very memorable one!” Patricia said.
Foundations like Make-A-Wish are a blessing to so many children and families in need. Every child’s wish is unique and individual. Recognizing the importance of making these dreams come true is such a beautiful cause to support.
