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Rylee's Inspirational Wish

When a chemotherapy treatment failed to stem her bone cancer, Waikato para-swimmer Rylee had to make the brave decision to go ahead with an arm amputation.

She suffers from osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer that affected her arm, shoulder and clavical. It led to what is known as a forequarter amputation.

“They tried to do chemo first but it didn’t work so they scrapped all that and went straight to the surgery.”

After applying to Make-A-Wish, Rylee and her family met with volunteers Denise and Tony, who came and talked them through her wish and what she wanted.

Rylee thought back to just before her amputation. She spent hours researching what she might look like after the procedure. The existing imagery was scary and daunting. So Rylee decided her wish was to have a shopping spree, followed by a photoshoot, so she could share her beautiful photos to help empower other young amputees.

This wish was an incredibly special experience for Rylee. Make-A-Wish flew Rylee's best friend Millie up to Auckland from Wellington, so she could go with Rylee on the  shopping spree. It was the perfect girl's day, and a way to say thank you to Millie, who had been an integral support to Rylee during her medical journey.

Rylee was also accompanied by stylist Sarah Stuart on her shopping spree. Sarah helped Rylee pick out some amazing pieces for her photoshoot!

On her photoshoot day, Rylee felt like an absolute star. She had her hair and make-up done by Justine Conroy, and the beautiful photos were taken by Chris Turner.

Rylee explains why this wish was so important to her. "Just because you have had an amputation doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything. There are so many resources out there that you can try, and I think just to show that you shouldn’t give up on your self just even though you have had something horrific happen to you.” 

Rylee's mum Amanda has been blown away by the generosity of everyone who has got on board. “It is incredibly humbling. And to see your daughter laugh and giggle and have such a great time. That wouldn't ever been possible without the amazing team at Make-A-Wish.”

Wishes like Rylee's couldn't come true without the generosity of Make-A-Wish supporters and donors. Will you donate so more beautiful wishes can come true?

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