Antonela, who lives in Zeeland Michigan, was living in an orphanage in Albania less than 2 years ago. Antonela’s new mom and dad, Katie and Randy, first heard of this adorable little girl from their mother, Jann, when she returned from a mission trip to Albania that included a visit to the orphanage.

Although their hearts and their entire family wanted to bring Antonela into their lives, Katie and Randy had been severely affected by the Michigan economy and there would have to be adjustments in their family life in order to bring Antonela in their home. When Katie’s 7-year-old son Alec had overheard a conversation about Antonela he said, “We have to adopt Antonela…I will sell all my toys!”

Alec’s proclamation and continued insistence led to family conversations and reflections of what the family really needed and what could be sacrificed in order to bring Antonela in their lives; a family trip to Walt Disney World® Resort that the family was longing to take was on the list of what would have to wait.

After plenty of waiting, the blessing of an Albanian court and Antonela’s Grandmother, along with the generous donation of over $35,000 from fundraisers and personal donations from their local West Michigan community, the adoption was finally going to happen and Antonela celebrated Christmas of 2008 with her new Michigan family!

Katie and Randy knew before adopting Antonela, that she was sick. They learned it was a condition called Thalassemia, a blood disorder where Antonela’s body will not hold hemoglobin. They learned that Antonela had acquired her condition when she was just a year old and that she had the most severe form, requiring blood transfusions every two weeks. These transfusions and the extreme amounts of iron that come with them will deteriorate Antonela’s organs.

“Antonela is one tough, brave, resilient little girl. Her difficult start in life has not caused her to lose her vibrant spirit. I sense that she feels worse sometimes than she lets on,” Katie said.

Once settled into her new family, Antonela and her new family began to make a path to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids where her doctor mentioned the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.

Katie recalls, “I can vividly remember the moment when we learned we qualified to be part of the Make-A-Wish program. It was during one of our clinic visits for Antonela’s blood transfusion and someone from the hospital came out and shared the good news with us. It was an emotional moment for me. I explained what it meant to Antonela. The rest of our afternoon was spent dreaming like Antonela had never dreamed before!”

Antonela’s long days in the hospital began to fill with thoughts of her wish for Disney and this spring Antonela, Katie, Randy and their four other children took off for a magical family trip to Walt Disney World® Resort!

There were many treats and surprises in store for Antonela including VIP passes to the park lounges, passes to skip the lines for character meet-and-greets, but perhaps the best part for Katie was how, on a deeper level, the trip resulted in a much greater sense of belonging and self worth for Antonela.

“As we all about burst with excitement as our trip approached, Antonela was quick to remind us that if we didn’t have her we wouldn’t be going to Disney,” Katie said. “It made her feel valued and like she was contributing and giving back.”

While on their adventure Antonela was sure to remind her family of her choice for such a fabulous wish as she proclaimed, “Guys, aren’t you glad I picked this wish,” with a big smile on her face.

A long ways away from the square room with no toys where Antonela looked to Snow White for a magical escape, Katie said that one of the most memorable moments of their trip was when Snow White recognized Antonela (amid thousands of parade viewers) and left the parade route to go out into the crowd to give her a hug.

When asked what the wish meant, Antonela replied, “It made me feel really good to take my family on a fun trip. It helped me when I didn’t want to go to the hospital to know I had something fun to look forward to.”

For a family who is caring for a child with special medical needs, life is unpredictable, complicated, stressful and difficult at times. “On our Make-A-Wish trip we got a taste of EASY and it felt so good,” Katie said. “The memories we made on our trip will be treasured for a lifetime!”

Although there is no remission for Antonela, her family now realizes that the best medicine comes in many forms. They now know that magic and wishes come when you least expect them.

To the people who made her wish a reality, Antonela would like to say, “Thank you… Thank you… Thank you… Thank you. The two best times in my life were when I met my family for the first time and when I went on my Make-A-Wish trip.”