Make-a-Wish Foundation grant wish for Whitby girl with rare heart condition

A Whitby girl’s wish came true courtesy of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Zoey, 9, was born with a rare condition which has effectively left her with half a functioning heart. The most common form of this condition is Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, in which the left side is underdeveloped during pregnancy.

As is often the case with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Zoey needed open heart surgery just hours after birth. She’s since had three more surgeries and has a compromised immune system.

“Zoey says the best day she ever had was when she was told she was getting a wish from Make- A-Wish Canada. She loves singing, dancing, and — most importantly — when all the attention is on her,” the town wrote.

“Zoey has always wondered what it’s like to be famous,” Whitby said. Therefore she wished to be treated like a star. “Zoey’s wish was like nothing we could ever dream of for her,” Zoey’s mom Amanda said, “It was honestly everything and more for her and myself.”

The pair spent the weekend at a Toronto hotel, got escorted through the city in a limo, had a spa day and Zoey got a custom dress based on her own design. She then got her hair and makeup done before her own photoshoot. On their return to the hotel, they were greeted with a red carpet, fans and paparazzi.

“When [Zoey] speaks about her wish, she always says how nanny would love this,” Amanda told the town, “Zoey’s wish was a pivotal turning point in her journey. “My wish was amazing, and [everyone] made me feel so special,” Zoey said.

Make-A-Wish is a non-profit that grants sick children their heart’s desire. It was founded in 1980 in Phoenix and has since spread across the United States and into 50 other countries. The first Canadian chapter opened in 1983 and has since granted more than 35,000 wishes.

Donations can be made online.