“It was the
perfect
weekend for
our family!”
– Lolli’s
mom, LaRie
Lolli, 4
rhabdomyosarcoma
I wish to have a behind the scenes circus experience
Photos by Shyla Photography, shylaphotography.com
Lolli’s Wish for a Behind-the-Scenes Circus Experience
Four-year-old Lolli is as strong and courageous as they come. She
likes dancing, hula-hooping, being around animals and learning
new activities, including stilt walking! Althought Lolli was diagnosed
with rhabdomyosarcoma, her spirits remain high and she has stayed
positive. Lolli’s passion for the stage is what led her to fall in love with
the circus and one day her dream is to become a performer.
Lolli loves all aspects of the circus – the bright lights, cheering fans,
adventurous performers and of course, the animals. After losing her
foot to cancer, she kept dancing and hula hooping, and even learned
how to stilt walk and pursue her dreams.
“Being diagnosed with cancer turned Lolli into a whole new kid,” said
Lolli’s mom, LaRie. “She’s been through a lot for only being four years
old and has a new connection with herself now. It’s beautiful to see.”
Lolli wished to have a behind the scenes circus experience where she
could put her stilt walking and performance skills to the test and meet
some of her favorite animals, like the elephants!
On the day of her wish, Lolli received an up close and personal,
VIP experience with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. She was
presented with her very own circus performance dress and stilt walked
with the pros. She also met an elephant, learned how to perform aerial
acts and played games with the circus clowns too!
“The wish was the closest thing to having a family vacation for us,”
said LaRie. “We all were enamored by the whole experience and were
able to have fun and forget about anything negative that’s happened.”
Lolli and her family received tickets to that evening’s show where she
watched her new friends perform on stage. Her favorite parts were
watching the stilt walkers in action, as well as the elephants perform
their tricks.
Lolli is currently in remission and continues to be a courageous and
energetic four year old. Meeting the circus performers
fueled her passion to become an expert dancer, hulahooper and stilt walker. When she grows up she hopes
to pursue her own dreams of becoming a performer and
commanding the stage.
“It was the perfect weekend for our family,” said LaRie. “I
haven’t seen Lollo Smile that much since before her diagnosis,
which was two years ago! Thank you Make-A-Wish!”
6 ∙ Wish Colorado | 2014 – 2015