In a heartwarming collaboration, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and Red Robin in Christiana, Delaware, recently joined forces to host a send-off wish party for 6-year-old Annabelle, who is living with multiple serious medical conditions. The event served as a prelude to Annabelle’s upcoming trip to Disney World, which has been made possible through the efforts of Make-A-Wish, an organization that grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Annabelle is a young Elkton, Maryland girl who has faced numerous health challenges, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), diGeorge Syndrome, and scoliosis. She has undergone three open-heart surgeries and has had a pacemaker implanted. Despite these hurdles, Annabelle remains resilient, and her upcoming trip to Disney World marks a significant milestone in her life.
The send-off party took place at Red Robin in Christiana, where the general manager, Denni, and the staff went to great lengths to make the day special for Annabelle according to her mother Beth. The restaurant was decorated in a Disney theme, and staff members dressed up as characters from the movie Frozen. In a memorable moment, the entire restaurant joined in singing “Let It Go,” a song from the film. In addition to the festivities, Annabelle and her best friend Luca were gifted free kids meals at Red Robin until they turn 12. Beth wanted to make sure the two organizations were recognized for their efforts
Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic volunteers Emily Tifft and Jim DeCaro drove for hours to attend the event. They brought an assortment of presents, candy, and donuts from Dunkin’, as Annabelle has a particular fondness for the brand’s offerings over traditional cake. The volunteers spent quality time with Annabelle, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the day.
Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is a non-profit organization that has granted more than 340,000 wishes to children across the United States and its territories. The organization believes that a wish experience can be a game-changer for a child, offering them hope, strength, and joy. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic serves children in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.