Make-A-Wish Grants Wish To Cherry Hill Child

Recently, Make-A-Wish New Jersey granted the wish of five-year-old Delaney of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Delaney, who courageously battles pilocytic pilomyxoid astrocytoma, wished for a playset of her very own to enjoy in the safety of her backyard with her siblings, and her wish was granted just in time for summer.

Delaney was diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor on her spinal cord at two and a half years old. The tumor was nearly cutting off signals from her neck down. Over the next three years, Delaney would face three major surgeries to remove the tumor. She received two different chemo regimens that failed her, followed by 25 rounds of proton radiation before her fourth birthday.

“It is heartbreaking watching your child fight for their life,” said Delany’s mom Nicole. “But Laney has been remarkable through it all. An inspiration she is!”

As a result of the surgery and the residual tumor still on her spinal cord, Delaney has left-sided weakness and has even lost the use of her left hand. She uses leg, arm and back braces for support and some days uses a wheelchair. Delaney also continues to receive physical and occupational therapy twice a week at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, still holding onto hope that she may one day regain some function of her left hand.

“If you asked Laney how she feels about this whole ordeal, she’d tell you she is happy!” Nicole continued. “To her, she doesn't know any different. Hospital visits and therapy sessions have been a part of her everyday life. Of course she doesn't like being poked and prodded, but she is always happy to wake up to go to CHOP and see all of her friends!”

Make-A-Wish entered Delaney’s life during her first major surgery. At the time, Delaney and her family were amidst what seemed like a whirlwind of changes in their lives, learning and accepting their new realities surrounding her life-threatening medical condition. Her tumor continued to grow and would need further treatment. After she completed her radiation treatment, Delaney and her family began to explore what her wish might be. It was then that the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the United States.

“As we stayed in our bubble, we really started to miss our everyday things, which meant no playgrounds for the kids,” Nicole shared. “One of Laney's favorite things was to go to an all-inclusive playground and swing on the special swings. She feels happy and free to be able to swing with her siblings, and also to be able to play safely at those playgrounds. The giggles she gives! So when Make-A-Wish asked Laney what her wish was, she knew exactly what she wanted - a playground of her very own to be able to play with her siblings.”

“Laney loved that she was a part of all the decision making for her playset,” Nicole continued. “From the steps so she can play safely, to the shade she wanted so she was able to play longer outside with her siblings, down to swing and colors, she was asked for her input on every bit of it, and for a little kid that is pretty awesome!”

On the day her wish was to be granted, Delaney and her mom were up bright and early, filled with excitement. Neither could sleep knowing that it was Delaney’s special day.

“The truck pulled up and parked out front, and joy just took over her face as tears trickled down mine,” Nicole recalled, looking back on the life-changing day Delaney’s wish came true. “It was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and the happiness was just gleaming off of Laney's face. Watching my child glow with such happiness gives me as a parent a feeling I can't describe.”

When the playset was complete, Delaney immediately ran outside to the stairs, conquered them with confidence, and quickly slid down her brand-new slide before heading over to her very own swing. Delaney continue to scream with excitement, “This is the best day ever!”

Delaney’s mother shared that her wish was more than a playset in her backyard. Her wish was a place to play, side by side with her siblings, and to be able to feel like any other kid.

“I don't think people realize that swing sets are very limited when it comes to children with disabilities,” Nicole shared. “To be able to see her play freely amongst her siblings on a swing set in my own backyard is a beautiful site. It’s been great for me as a mom to be able to see my children play together and watch their bonds get stronger. The joy and happiness that came from this wish wasn't just for Laney, it was for the whole family. It was very much needed and very much appreciated. I am forever grateful to Make-A-Wish!”

For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, visit nj.wish.org.