HOLTVILLE, Calif. – School officials at Finley Elementary School say Thursday was a magical day for 5-year-old Natalie Fuentes – thanks in part to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“She has had leukemia and has been going through chemotherapy for the last two years,” Finley Elementary School Principal Lupita Moreno said.
Natalie lost her hair twice due to chemotherapy but that didn’t keep her from attending school, Moreno said.
“She came in very weak. She was just growing her hair back,” Moreno explained.
A different story today for Natalie whose condition is getting better as treatment comes to an end.
“Now is on her last of treatments so she should be all done by July is my understanding,” Moreno said.
Now Natalie is filled with smiles, Moreno added.
“If you’ve seen her, she has thick dark hair. She’s bubbly and exciting,” Moreno said.
Fighting cancer isn’t all Natalie is smiling about. The Make-A-Wish Foundation that helps families fight cancer is giving Natalie and her family a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.
“She’ll be there for a week with her entire family,” Moreno said.
Foundation officials say this coming Monday the family will be driven to the San Diego airport by a limousine where they will then fly to Florida.
“The family is overwhelmed by the support of the community and by the help from the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Enrique Mireles, Natalie’s father, said.
Mireles said on Natalie’s’ birthday next week, her favorite Disney character – Princess Elsa – will give her a personalized tour of the magical kingdom.
Yes, Natalie, some wishes do come true.