We love our community and when we get a chance to give back, it is quite an honor. When the Make-A-Wish foundation reached out to us, we were more than happy to accommodate their request.
On Saturday we got to meet Daisy Ponce, a delightfully sweet 11-year-old Alhambra resident. Thinking she was just going to her favorite taco spot for an early dinner, little Daisy had no idea that she was in for a big surprise.
The Make-A-Wish duo came loaded up with bags and bags of goodies. They quickly decorated the tables and chairs with various Disney decorations and gifts. We excitedly waited for the family to arrive.
When they showed up, Daisy was all smiles. She was greeted with our paparazzi-style camera flashes and was at a loss for words.
Through a fun game of trivia, she learned that she and her family had been granted a cross-country trip to Walt Disney World, complete with a brand new set of luggage and a limo ride to the airport. "A limo!?" she gasped with sheer joy.
A big fan of puzzles and arts & crafts, she was delighted to receive a giant book of sudoku and many other Disney-themed gifts.
Her grin just kept getting bigger and bigger. Every time she thought the surprises had finished, there was another one to come. One look at her mother and you could see the emotion in her eyes. She was so happy to see her daughter radiating with such joy. Having been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, I can only imagine what a relief it was to finally have some good news to celebrate.
After the festivities, the family enjoyed dinner with the Make-A-Wish team. Her mother explained to me that Daisy normally has a restricted diet, but to the little girl's delight, on this special day she was allowed to pick anything she wanted from the menu. She just stared at her mother with wide eyes and told me that she was too excited to order.
There were many more laughs shared and stories exchanged before our evening came to a close. We wish Daisy and her family all the best and she hope that she always has fond memories of her experience with us. What a fun night!