November 20, 2009 1:41 PM
Wishes Granted with "Believe" Campaign
Macy's is in its second year of its partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. For every letter to Santa sent at a Macy's "Believe" station, Macy's will donate one dollar to Make-a-Wish - up to $1 million to help grant the wishes of kids with life-threatening medical conditions.
And this past week, Macy's and Make-a-Wish made some dreams came true for one family.
More on Macy's "Believe" Campaign
Nyzhaia has limb girdle, a form of muscular dystrophy that has weakened the muscles around her hips and shoulders, making it difficult for her to sit, and even walk. Despite such adversity, the 10-year-old's spirit remains strong.
"I use to cry a lot, and tell my mommy I was sad," Nyzhaia said, "but now as I grow, the more I see what I could be happy about. I don't anymore because I play with my brothers and with them. My life is complete."
Nyzhaia's brothers Nyriek, 9, and Jamel, 8, are Nyzhaia's constant companions, from downtime in front of the computer to breaking it down on the dance floor.
Both boys also suffer from muscular dystrophy, making life in this household that much more of a challenge for their single mother, Nicole.
"In my world I have three of the greatest kids on earth," she said. "We're blessed for every day, but it's definitely not an easy feeling. In no way at all is it easy."
With the help of friends she powers through each day. It was Nicole's best friend who suggested that she call the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Nicole said she came to Make-a-Wish because it was Nyzhaia's birthday.
"Instead of a Sweet 16, I wanted to give her a Sweet 10, because I wasn't really sure what 16 would be like for her or if she would really get to enjoy 16."
Make-a-Wish was about to give Nyzhaia the most memorable "Sweet 10" celebration. Her wish, a shopping spree was granted, and the star treatment began with a white stretch limo. Nyzhaia was given a surprise red carpet greeting at Macy's.
"I feel excellent," she said, "like a really special, famous princess."
The fairytale continued with her very own dressing room suite. Then she began shopping for everything she needed, from coats to shoes.
And a couple of hours later, with shopping bags in tow, the family headed to lunch at New York's Hard Rock Cafe where more surprises were in store.
As soon as they were seated, Nyriek received his wish, a trip to Disney World. Jamel received video games and a flat-screen TV.
The last surprise was a birthday cake for the entire family.
If you'd like to contribute to the "Believe" campaign to help more wishes come true, just drop by your nearest Macy's.
And this past week, Macy's and Make-a-Wish made some dreams came true for one family.
More on Macy's "Believe" Campaign
Nyzhaia has limb girdle, a form of muscular dystrophy that has weakened the muscles around her hips and shoulders, making it difficult for her to sit, and even walk. Despite such adversity, the 10-year-old's spirit remains strong.
"I use to cry a lot, and tell my mommy I was sad," Nyzhaia said, "but now as I grow, the more I see what I could be happy about. I don't anymore because I play with my brothers and with them. My life is complete."
Nyzhaia's brothers Nyriek, 9, and Jamel, 8, are Nyzhaia's constant companions, from downtime in front of the computer to breaking it down on the dance floor.
Both boys also suffer from muscular dystrophy, making life in this household that much more of a challenge for their single mother, Nicole.
"In my world I have three of the greatest kids on earth," she said. "We're blessed for every day, but it's definitely not an easy feeling. In no way at all is it easy."
With the help of friends she powers through each day. It was Nicole's best friend who suggested that she call the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Nicole said she came to Make-a-Wish because it was Nyzhaia's birthday.
"Instead of a Sweet 16, I wanted to give her a Sweet 10, because I wasn't really sure what 16 would be like for her or if she would really get to enjoy 16."
Make-a-Wish was about to give Nyzhaia the most memorable "Sweet 10" celebration. Her wish, a shopping spree was granted, and the star treatment began with a white stretch limo. Nyzhaia was given a surprise red carpet greeting at Macy's.
"I feel excellent," she said, "like a really special, famous princess."
The fairytale continued with her very own dressing room suite. Then she began shopping for everything she needed, from coats to shoes.
And a couple of hours later, with shopping bags in tow, the family headed to lunch at New York's Hard Rock Cafe where more surprises were in store.
As soon as they were seated, Nyriek received his wish, a trip to Disney World. Jamel received video games and a flat-screen TV.
The last surprise was a birthday cake for the entire family.
If you'd like to contribute to the "Believe" campaign to help more wishes come true, just drop by your nearest Macy's.
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