Azhaar ' s Royal Birthday
Azhaar’ s hospital social worker referred her to Make-A-Wish ® at just four years old, while she was recovering from a liver transplant. Azhaar’ s medical staff had become very close with her and loved her sweet and bubbly personality. They admired how, despite all the hours spent inside hospital walls, Azhaar’ s imagination never dimmed. She loved to envision herself as a princess, with a glittering tiara and floor length gown.
Azhaar had never had a birthday party before, so when she found out that she could have a wish, her imagination lit up with visions of a ballroom decked out in elegant decorations fit for a princess. She saw her friends, family and medical team dancing and enjoying delicious treats; their faces aglow with celebration, and in the middle of it all— she saw herself, beaming as she is finally coronated as a princess. And with her fifth birthday approaching, Azhaar’ s royal fifth birthday party was set into motion.
On the morning of her special day, Azhaar donned a mint green gown with delicate white lace details and a big tulle skirt, and her mom placed a beautiful gold tiara on her head. The venue was just as she’ d pictured it, as she ascended marble steps into a room full of princessthemed decorations, gifts, activities and a big, purple throne just for her. She ran to greet her friends, and they danced, played games and decorated wands and tiaras with colorful gemstones. She was dubbed“ her royal five-ness,” and the princess and her guests celebrated not just her turning another year older, but the strength and courage that had brought her to this point.
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Photos courtesy of Kate Buckley Photography
Referrer: Julia Scanlon
Volunteers: Jeanine Brevak and Erika McElligott