Dear Make-A-Wish:

Cassandra’s approach to life is basic. She is an eleven year old who is happiest when around family or her school mates. She finds joy in the laughter and engaging conversations of those around. This is not to say that there she is above the standards of other eleven year old girls when it comes to hobbies and fun things to do. Unfortunately, Cassandra is blind, with Spina Bifida and is Developmentally Delayed due to a severely premature birth. She also has scoliosis and has survived two bouts of cancer.

But this does not stop Cassandra from enjoying life to the fullest. She is an extremely happy child that enjoys listening to sports, attending school and listening to others sing – regardless if they have talent or not.

Cassandra particular loves to play with her many toy pianos and other audio based toys. But what she really enjoys is camping and taking walks with Mom and Dad. This is one of her true pleasures in life. Cassandra used to really enjoy riding her bicycle (with training wheels), until her scoliosis progressed and made it too painful to ride.

However, Cassandra’s Mom was undeterred and decided to research the possibility of a bicycle that would allow Cassandra to ride and would enhance the family bonding time. Mom did find such a bike - the Duet Bicycle made in Germany. Unfortunately, the cost for such a bike was very expensive.

That is where the Make-A-Wish Foundation came in. They responded to a letter from Cassandra’s Mom, met with us and got the ball rolling.

They agreed to make the arrangements to purchase this bike and get it to Cassandra before the summer of 2009 so that she could enjoy it on camping trips and on weekends and evenings for family time. Cassandra loves the feeling of the wind blowing in her face and her Dad is looking forward to riding the bike with her to make that happen. This will allow Cassandra valuable time to enjoy herself with Mom and Dad, doing what so many of us take for granted – riding your bike with family.

This could not have been possible without the efforts of Make-A-Wish.

Thank you from Cassandra, Annette and Walter

More Entertainment and Fantasy Wishes

1. Kendra Thomson:

Cassandra and family,
Hope you all enjoy a wonderful summer of bike-riding and enjoying the outdoors!
Sincerely,
Kendra

2. Carol Kruck:

I really enjoyed the pictures of Cassandra on her bike. I don't know who looks happier - Cassandra or mom and dad! I hope you're having a great summer with the bike!

3. GeceklyScak GeceklyScak:

Sometimes the most beautiful thing is precisely the one that comes unexpectedly and unearned.