Amanda Wishes for a Pedal Harp

Sixteen-year-old Amanda was fighting an ongoing battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the time of her wish in 2006. A soft-spoken teen from Pickerington, she enjoys socializing with friends, watching movies, surfing the Web and being active with track and volleyball.

In 2002, Amanda purchased her first harp, a unique instrument for a young girl. Amanda demonstrated natural talent while learning to play. To attest to her talents, she was invited to perform with the esteemed company, Harp Ohio. Amanda’s commitment to the harp persisted, even when she was sidelined from playing for several months as she endured the most trying event of her life: chemotherapy.

When Amanda was referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^®, she was reluctant to voice her wish. However, she felt strongly that playing the harp is her life ambition, and she humbly relayed her story to wish volunteers. In her first four years of playing, Amanda made the most of her beginner level harp, but dreamed of a more advanced, pedal harp to promote her growth musically.

Amanda’s wish was granted and she received her new harp, and is now able to share not only her breathtaking music, but the joy and inner peace she feels while elegantly strumming the notes. This young woman, who has overcome the odds, found the opportunity to see how far her talent can take her through her wish experience. As a wonderful end to her wish, and beginning to her new life, Amanda performed at the annual Make-A-Wish Foundation Blue Night fundraising event in 2006 before over 400 guests, helping to raise over $160,000 to grant the wishes of children in central Ohio.