Malu’s WishMaker Story

Interview

Could you share your own story as a Wish Mom and how you got involved with Make-A-Wish Brazil?

In 2015, my life changed completely. It was the year I got to know Make-A-Wish—and also the year I found out that my eldest daughter, Camila, then only 8 years old, had a brain tumor, a diffuse brain stem glioma.

Amidst that whirlwind of exams, treatments, and uncertainties, we learned from the hospital where she was undergoing treatment that we could enroll her in Make-A-Wish. Camila’s biggest wish was to go to Disney. Unfortunately, at that time, international travel wishes were suspended. But I wanted so much to fulfill her wish that I decided to take her on my own.

The trip was beautiful, full of magical moments. But, when we returned, Make-A-Wish contacted us again. They asked if Camila had another wish that could be fulfilled. I talked to her, and with her usual sweetness, she told me:

“Mom, we went to Disney, I saw Princess Merida… but I didn’t see Angus, her horse!”

In her imagination, the horse would be there in the park, waiting for its princess. Since she was little, Camila loved horses. So, when she spoke with the Make-A-Wish “fairies” — the amazing volunteers who were with her — she said her biggest wish was to be Princess Merida and meet Angus. Make-A-Wish made magic happen.On the wish day, unfortunately, I couldn’t be present. My younger daughter had just been born, was only five days old. But when Camila returned from that special day, she was no longer the same. Her eyes shone, and she talked non-stop about every detail. She lived a princess day, interacted with the horse she loved so much, felt like Merida herself. Her happiness was so great that, day by day, she retold the story of the wish. Months later, my Camila became a star. And my world collapsed. I fell into depression, went through very difficult times. But during therapy, one memory kept coming back to my mind: her happiness on that day. She loved going to Disney, but nothing made her happier than being Merida and meeting Angus.

That’s when I realized I needed to do something. Something that would bring me a little peace, that would help me move forward with Camila’s legacy of happiness.

I decided to become a Make-A-Wish volunteer. I took the course, and on my first wish—a shopping day for a child—I saw that same sparkle in the eyes that I saw in my daughter. It was there I realized: I could bring joy to other children going through what Camila went through.

Today, Make-A-Wish is not just a place where I make wishes come true. It gave me back a purpose. It allowed me to turn pain into love, grief into hope. My daughter became a star, but through every smile I help create, I feel she still shines here, with me.

What is the most unforgettable wish you have granted?

Without a doubt, the wish that marked my seven-year journey with Make-A-Wish happened last year, in Santa Catarina. It was Maurício’s wish. His wish was simple, but carried a purity that touched me deeply: he wanted to be a horse caretaker. When I heard about his wish, I felt a lump in my chest. It was impossible not to remember Camila. My Camila. He didn’t want to be a prince, a fairy tale hero… He just wanted to care for the horses, be close to them, feel that special connection. Exactly as my daughter once dreamed.I could not be present on the day of Camila’s wish. But, somehow, being there, seeing Maurício fulfill his, was like I had been transported to that moment I didn’t live with my daughter. And what an emotion it was to witness that! The sparkle in the eyes, the delicate gestures when touching each horse, the sincere smile of someone living the best day of their life. It was pure happiness.And at that moment, amidst laughter and held back tears, I realized: wishes never die. With every child I see realizing theirs, I feel a little piece of Camila is there too. Smiling, living, shining… Forever.

Why did you choose to volunteer specifically for birthday party wishes? Why are they particularly important to you?

The birthday wishes started happening unexpectedly. Suddenly, we had a series of such wishes, which not only taught me, but also the entire group I work with, even more experience.

But for me, birthday wishes will always have a special meaning.

They are different because they allow us to see, feel, and experience all the emotion of a child who went through a difficult treatment. It’s as if, at that moment, all the bad experiences are left behind. The pain, the fear, the struggles… everything makes way for the joy of celebrating life.

And there is nothing more magical than that.

A birthday party may seem simple to many, but for these children, it’s a real dream coming true. The sparkle in their eyes, the genuine smiles, the happiness on their faces… these are the moments that show us how important it is to celebrate life in an intense, true, and unforgettable way.

Why are wishes important?

At Make-A-Wish Brazil, we make wishes come true for children living through times when there is almost no hope. Children who face unimaginable battles, who go through difficult days, who often stop believing the future can be beautiful.

And that’s where the wish comes in.

It has the power to lift anyone out of a bad situation. It lights up the darkest days. The wish restores hope. The wish transforms. The wish heals.

I truly believe, from the bottom of my heart, that the best medicine for any illness in this world is the power of a wish. Because dreaming is wonderful. But having your wish come true… that’s surreal.

That’s what moves us. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

That’s what changes lives.

Make-A-Wish also saved me, it brought me hope in a difficult time. Not by fulfilling my wish, but by showing me that I could still have joy by making wishes come true…. Our work goes beyond fulfilling wishes, we transform the lives of people, families, and the community.