Wish Stories

Three-year-old Zanayha’s birthday wish came true when the Make-A-Wish Foundation and northeast Ohio community came together to throw her a birthday celebration at Rainbow Babies Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

Zanayha was diagnosed with a kidney condition at birth and is now without a kidney. Due to her condition, Zanayha requires constant dialysis and other medical treatments keeping her within hospital walls for all but two weeks since birth.

To grant Zanayha’s greatest wish, the Foundation worked with the Chi Omega Sorority from John Carroll University to throw Zanayha a magnificent third birthday party!

Zanayha’s love for Disney princesses was the inspiration for her birthday party. Zanayha dressed up as Princess Tiana from “Princess and the Frog” while the Chi Omega members dressed up as other Disney princesses.

The sorority surprised Zanayha by decorating her hospital room with scenes from “Princess and the Frog”, flowers and a canopy over her bed. To add to the magic, a castle fit for a princess was painted on Zanayha’s hospital room wall.

Pat Catan’s, a Cleveland, Ohio-based retailer of craft stores and bridal fashion salons, also created centerpieces for the tables at the party.

“Everything was so nice,” shared Zanayha’s mom, Aja. “When I arrived at the hospital they gave me a camcorder so I could capture the entire day. That was my favorite part.”

Friends from the hospital, along with Zanayha’s entire family, attended her birthday celebration. The party included carnival games and face painting.

Applebee’s generously donated their catering services for the princess party and the food was delivered by none other than Tinker Bell herself. When it came time for dessert, Zanayha was presented with a beautiful Disney princess birthday cake that was donated by Michael Angelo’s Bakery in Broadview Heights, OH.

“She was delighted by the whole experience,” said Aja.

Zanayha’s favorite part of the day was riding around with her cousins in her brand new pink Power Wheels^® Barbie Ford Mustang!

“It was her favorite present. She sat in it all day long,” Aja shared.