I wish to have a shopping spree
Rylee, 17, New Zealand
When chemotherapy failed to stop her bone cancer, para-swimmer Rylee made the courageous decision to undergo a forequarter amputation, removing her arm, shoulder, and clavicle.
“They tried to do chemo first but it didn’t work so they scrapped all that and went straight to the surgery,” said Rylee.
Meeting Make-A-Wish volunteers for the first time, Rylee shared her vision: a shopping spree and photoshoot to show other young amputees that beauty and strength can shine through adversity. Before her surgery, she had searched for images of amputees and found them daunting. She wanted to change that narrative.
Make-A-Wish brought her dream to life. Her best friend Millie was flown in to join the shopping day, making it the perfect girls’ day and a thank-you to Millie for her unwavering support and friendship.
On the day of the photoshoot, Rylee had her hair and makeup done and posed confidently, feeling like a star.
“This wish was about showing others and myself that life doesn’t end after amputation,” Rylee said. “You can still be strong, beautiful, and full of possibility.”
Her mum Amanda added, “To see her laugh and shine like that, it was unforgettable. None of it would’ve been possible without Make-A-Wish.”