STATE COLLEGE — On April 13, the nonprofit Pixie Dust Wishes had the privilege of presenting a wish to its fourth recipient during intermission of State High’s ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ production at the Playhouse Theater on Penn State’s campus.
Pixie Dust Wishes formed last year with the intention of providing trips to Disney World to children with special needs.
The group’s fourth wish recipient is Fatima Kaya, a student at State High, who was nominated by her middle school special education teacher, Lisa Pazak. Fatima has cerebral palsy and congenital quadriplegia and has faced many challenges.
Jaimie Miller, executive director and president of Pixie Dust Wishes, made the presentation with her daughter, Emma Miller, who has Down syndrome. Emma is the inspiration behind the nonprofit. Her family wanted to bring the same joy and magic to children with disabilities that Emma has experienced.
Emma played the part of Tinker Bell, the wish presenter, with pride and joy as she welcomed a new child to the group.
“Fatima and her parents, Levent and Gulsen, were thankful and overjoyed for this opportunity and look forward to going to Disney World later this year,” said Miller. “Being able to see and connect with the families in this joyous moment is an indescribable feeling.’
Fatima was excited to see her former teacher, Pazak, who nominated her, embracing her with a hug at the beginning of the show. Seeing their bond, Miller said, makes it easy to see why Pazak’s nomination letter spoke from the heart.
For more information or to donate, visit www.pixiedustwishes.com. The organization also will be participating in the Centre Gives fundraising drive Tuesday, May 8, and Wednesday, May 9.
