A 7-year-old Texas girl fighting a rare bone cancer is holding onto a dream of setting sail on a Disney cruise, a wish her family says would give her the chance to simply be a kid again.
Jade has been diagnosed with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone intensive chemotherapy, surgery, hospital stays and ongoing treatment. Her family makes an approximately five-hour round trip between Laredo and San Antonio for specialized care.
Despite the challenges of treatment, Jade’s family describes her as funny, caring and adventurous. She says she wants to become a doctor someday so she can help other children the way her own doctors and nurses have helped her.
When Jade learned she qualified for a wish through Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, she chose a Disney cruise. She hopes to swim, meet favorite characters, watch shows and spend time with her family.
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Jade’s mother, Patty, said cancer treatment has forced Jade to spend important moments in the hospital, including her seventh birthday.
“This wish gives her something joyful to dream about and the chance to focus on being a kid instead of being a patient,” Patty said.
As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Jade is still waiting for her wish. Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas says more than 350 eligible children across the region are also waiting for wishes to be granted.