AMARILLO, TEXAS -- What better way to kick off the weekend than by having your ultimate wish granted? Well, that's exactly what happened on Friday to five-year-old Pre-K student Sarah Garrison.
Sarah was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis in 2009 and in October of 2011, her family linked up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make one of Sarah's wishes come true. Sarah wished to go to Disney World to meet her all time favorite character, Rapunzel.
"Tangled is her favorite movie, she watches it all the time and that's what she decided is Rapunzel is her all time favorite," said Randi Hudson with the Make-A-Wish Development Office. "I think it's important not only for Sarah but for any Wish Kid. I think that a wish is something that helps a child persevere through their illness and it gives them a reason to push on. It's just a great experience that I think every child with a life-threatening medical condition should be able to be a part of."
Sarah attends Western Plateau Elementary school in Amarillo and on Friday afternoon, she found out her wish was granted -- she was going to Disney World. But she wasn't told in any regular way, she had her invitation hand delivered to her from one of the Magical Kingdom's characters himself -- Mickey Mouse.
"We wanted to think of a cool way to grant her wish so what we decided to do is have Mickey Mouse deliver her an invitation to her class," added Hudson.
Surprised, and little shy, Sarah warmed up to Mickey Mouse ending her surprise visit with a big hug from the famous character. She told Pronews 7 she was surprised to see Mickey and excited to meet Rapunzel.
Since Rapunzel was Sarah's character of choice, Make-A-Wish will also host a send off celebration on Sunday where Sarah will be dressed as her idol from head to toe. Sarah, her parents and her five brothers and sisters will all leave for the trip to Disney World on Sunday, April 29.
A trip, a dream and a wish -- all coming true thanks to the strength of one little girl and the big hearts of many (including Mickey).
"I think this is the best part," said Hudson. "I mean, there's nothing like seeing her smile today or sending them off on her trip. There's nothing better than that. It's the most rewarding job."
