Ever since she was little, Fatima Nasser has wanted to go to Disney World.
Ever since she was born, the 16-year-old from Ottawa has also battled a life-threatening lung condition.
The Make-A-Wish foundation of Eastern Ontario wanted nothing more than to make Fatima’s wish come true, but her condition also means she is unable to travel.
So the folks at Make-A-Wish did the next best thing. They brought the magic to Fatima, making her a princess for a day.
“It’s been unbelievable,” gushes Nasser. “I can’t even explain it.”
The day started with a stretch-limo ride to Best Buy. There Fatima was treated to an exclusive shopping spree.
That was followed by a visit to the York Street Spa for a professional manicure.
Then it was off to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to prepare for the evening. Waiting for her in the Presidential Suite was a gown fit for a princess from Dominique Levesque Bridal.
After a specially-prepared meal by Creative Kosher Catering, Fatima and her family were driven to a night at the theatre in a horse-drawn carriage compliments of Cundel Stables.
Then her Cinderella story took a literal turn.
Fatima was made the guest of honour at Broadway Across Canada’s production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She was taken back stage to meet actress Tatyana Lubov who stars in the title role. With cast and crew watching, she was given the special honour of tossing a lucky coin into a well that’s used onstage.
What’s more, everyone in the audience was given a glowing blue star to wear. When the houselights dimmed, Fatima could see the glowing field spread out below her seat of honour in the Queen’s Box.
Disney’s got nothing on this princess.
Tanya Desjardins of Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario says the value of granting a wish to a child with a life-threatening illness is priceless. “They are going through tough challenges,” she says. “Any ounce of hope that we can give them keeps them wanting to fight and keeps them wanting to accept the treatment.”
Just like Cinderella, Fatima Nasser was able to leave her troubled life and be treated like royalty. Maybe it was just for one day, but it’s a day she’ll never forget. “It’s like the highlight of my life.”
