We asked 8-year-old Rylie the wishing question: If you could have anything in the world…go anywhere… meet anyone…be anything, what would you choose?  Rylie answered without hesitation, “I want a PSP.” If we had pulled a PSP out of a pocket right then and there, she would have thanked us and believed that she had struck gold. But for this little Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia patient, we had so many more surprises in store for her!

Rylie’s volunteer wish granters took time to plan a weekend to remember and arranged a shopping spree for her. The night before her big day, Rylie and her brothers Skylar, Dallas and Jonathon and their Mom, Stephanie, stayed in a hotel in the Salt Lake valley. The next morning a limo with 3 princesses inside picked her up to begin her adventure.   

Their first destination was Game Stop. Not only did the general manager greet Rylie when she arrived, but the district manager and GM’s from four other stores were present too. There was a great welcome sign and treats for Rylie and her whole family. Rylie walked away with her PSP and a whole lot more. Game Stop picked up more than half the cost of everything she chose.  

Next stop - Toys R Us! The three princesses hula-hooped in the middle of the store with Rylie and even passers-by. Rylie is a bit of a tomboy, so she shopped in the boy’s aisles as well as the girl’s. She not only got art supplies and a hula hoop, but drums and a remote control car. She was having the time of her life.

At Macy’s Rylie got royal treatment, too. It started with a gift bag fit for a princess. The saleswomen  pulled out all the stops to help Rylie choose clothes that were perfect, and donated amazing discounts to stretch her dollars. Then it was off to Olive Garden for a rest and a meal.  

After five hours of shopping and dinner, the family returned to A Wishing Place to raise Rylie’s star and show off her purchases. Rylie pulled her star into the constellation overhead in our lobby. For those who attended, it was surreal to watch her gaze up at it for about three minutes after the ceremony ended, with tears running down her face. 

This little girl has wisdom and courage far beyond her years, and she knew that a once-in-a-lifetime experience was coming to an end, with memories that would last a lifetime and beyond. Thanks, Ry Ry, for one of the best days of our lives too.

Wish Granters: Terri Drashner and Christine Brewster
Wish Sponsor: Richard Holdman