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Gloria’s Wish Story

Gloria, 4, McMinnville
Wish: to go to Disneyland® Resort

Gloria is a very kind and loving 4-year-old girl who loves princesses. She qualified for the Make-A-Wish Foundation due to her diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. When Gloria was asked what her wish would be, she knew immediately she wanted to meet the Disney princesses at Disneyland® Resort.

Before Gloria’s wish even came true, she experienced a magical wish send-off party. Wish granters Evie Bello and Kari Virding (current Miss Oregon) planned a very special surprise for Gloria. While starring in a local musical production of Cinderella, Kari invited Gloria with her four siblings, mom and grandma to come watch her perform. Gloria came to the show looking absolutely stunning in a white ball gown.

At the end of the performance, Kari invited Gloria up to the stage and crowned her a “princess.” No one in the audience knew Gloria was having a wish party that night, and after the show, many people commented on how moved they were. At her private party, Gloria sang songs and learned to waltz with Cinderella (Kari) and Prince Charming. The fun didn’t end there, as Gloria opened send-off presents and shared her princess cake with the cast!

The Cinderella party was the perfect kick-off to Gloria’s wish trip to Disneyland. The 4-year-old princess, along with her family of six, departed for California for some fun and quality time together away from the reality of hospital visits. On her first day at Disneyland, Gloria met Mickey Mouse and spent the afternoon checking out the park’s attractions. The second day of her wish trip was by far her favorite, as she enjoyed lunch with the Disney princesses in Ariel’s Grotto! This was truly a wish-come-true for Gloria and her family.