Tatiana’s NYC Ballet Wish

A letter from Tatiana’s parents:

Our family has been blessed beyond words and we are truly grateful for the Make-A-Wish experience. When Tatiana was diagnosed we had no other hope but that something really good would come out of it.  We continue to encourage Tatiana to realize there are some blessings that she may never get the benefit of seeing. I am convinced that the Make-A-Wish Foundation is part of that blessing. 

We may never know how Tatiana’s story will impact the lives of those that hear about her wish, but our prayer is that those who do hear about it are compelled to share their resources, gifts and talents.  As Tatiana’s parents, we can assure you that watching her turn 17 years old with a needle in her arm receiving chemo therapy was heart breaking. Then, as she began losing her hair, no horses, no dance, no school, for her it seemed life was already over.  Make-A-Wish gave us something to focus on other than the disease.  Watching her dream and contemplate what her wish should be was sometimes the only time we saw a twinkle in her eye and true joy.

We do not think Tatiana still has any comprehension of all the people who were involved in making her wish come true, but her parents have an idea and we would like to thank each and every one of you.  Our daughter is special to us and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making her so special to you as well.  You have given Tatiana, as well as our entire family, the memory of a lifetime.

At a time when your life is touched as ours was with Tatiana’s cancer, all the money in the world could not buy her health, nor can it buy back the part of her teenage year she missed. Instead we have been given the gift of love, faith and hope; and a most special memory we all will cherish. 

Thank you for your kindness and your generosity.
- Michele & Charlie, Tatiana’s parents

Tatiana, 17, of Warren, wished to go to the New York City Ballet. 
Her wish was generously adopted by United HealthCare.

Tatiana gets a private lesson with New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tiler Peck.

 
LEFT: Tatiana with her parents before her wish-come-true to see the NYC Ballet perform the Nutcracker.  RIGHT: Tatiana with New York City Ballet dancers Robert Fairchild and Tiler Peck after the Nutcracker performance. Tiler gave Tatiana her ballet shoes and autographed them too!

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