Every year, Make-A-Wish America grants thousands of wishes for children throughout the country who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. Wishes can be anything from giving an aspiring firefighter a chance to ride in a real fire engine to arranging for a child meet his or her favorite character on television, or in 5-year-old Willow Street resident Natalie Combs' case, covering the cost of a trip to Walt Disney World.

After Natalie was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023, she began treatment at Nemours Children's Hospital. Earlier in the year, Natalie's team of doctors at the hospital referred the Combs family to Make-A-Wish America's local chapter for the Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley areas. Natalie expressed that her wish was to travel to Walt Disney World, where she hopes to experience the magical amusement park up close and have a chance to meet her favorite Disney characters. Make-A-Wish teamed up with Lancaster-based manufacturer Woodstream Corporation to make Natalie's dream come true; Natalie and her parents, Cody and Marie Combs, will have their own adventure at Walt Disney World in the fall.

Woodstream Corporation hosted a celebration for Natalie and her family on July 31 at its headquarters in downtown Lancaster. Staff members welcomed the Combs family with a speaking program, followed by lunch and activities such as face painting and cupcake decorating. The celebration also included a visit from five Woodstream Corporation employees, who dressed as Cinderella and other famous princesses, giving Natalie an opportunity to meet some of her favorite Disney characters.

"Woodstream went above and beyond to create a magical and special afternoon," said Jennifer Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish's local chapter. "(The princesses) made an appearance and spent time with Natalie, and several executives from the company were there to witness the magic of Make-A-Wish. This is a relatively new partnership that we're thrilled to celebrate and showcase what is possible through our generous supporters."

Although Make-A-Wish is an organization that serves the entire United States, the funds raised for the local chapter remain in the area, making it possible to grant wishes for children throughout the region. In addition to partnerships with companies like Woodstream Corporation, Make-A-Wish relies on volunteers and donations to fulfill children's requests.

"It's important to note that the wish-granting process is more than just a nice thing to do," Davis said. "It has a long-lasting impact on families and children who have been dealt a difficult diagnosis. Our supporters help us deliver on this life-changing, critical mission."

For more information about Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley, visit https://wish.org/philadesv.