Over the weekend, a 2-year-old girl with cancer used a wish granted to her by the Fridley, Minnesota-based Wishes and More to help raise money for other children’s wishes.
Kenna Volkman of Blaine, Minnesota, decided that she wanted to have a “party” for her wish. But, after the wish was granted, she only wanted the celebration to continue with more wishes for other children fighting illnesses, CBS News reported.
With Kenna and her family wanting the party to help benefit others, the organization decided to turn the carnival for the 2-year-old into a fundraiser to help benefit others.
“It touched all of our hearts because it was about giving, at the same time about having an experience for a little girl who loves the holidays,” Karla Blomberg, the president of Wishes and More, shared with CBS.
Kenna was diagnosed with retinoblastoma after a tumor was found in her left eye about a year and a half ago. Since then, she has had two other tumors; all treated quickly. However, they have left her with partial vision in one eye.
Kelly Volkman, Kenna’s mother, shared with CBS that the entire experience was stressful as they didn’t know if she would be able to keep an eye or not.
“It was very scary at first,” Kelly Volkman said. “As it got to the point where the chemotherapy was done, it became more of just looking forward to the future. At this point, we’re in maintenance mode. And we hope it stays that way.”
After they decided to transition Kenna’s carnival into a fundraiser, Kelly Volkman said that everyone they knew was invited.
“We invited everyone we know,” Volkman said. “Friends from work. Friends from daycare, friends around. Everyone.”
The event had hundreds of people show up to Infinite Campus in Blaine, supporting Kenna and the nonprofit. Through the fundraiser, Wishes and More raised money for its wishes, which often include grants for things like Disneyland trips or deep-sea fishing for children with illnesses.
“We come in, and there’s nothing we can do about it. But we can certainly create very special memories and extraordinary moments,” Blomberg said. “This is what we do. They will remember this forever.
Kenna got just that on Saturday, enjoying her party with friends and family as she jumped around bouncy houses while also helping others.
Related
Related
