Beyond The Wish: Sadie
Six years after her wish for an endless supply of books came true, Sadie is healthy and still reading non-stop
Sadie the bookworm
When Sadie was undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, she found distraction and comfort in books.
“Her pile of books in the hospital was something different for people to talk about. When doctors came into her room, they asked: ‘What are you reading?’" said Melissa, Sadie's mum. “They didn’t talk about her illness straight away, so she became a person first again.”
Melissa said that because Sadie had always been a kid obsessed with books, they were essential during her daughter’s treatment. “For me, every book was like someone believing that we were going to get through what we were going through,” Melissa said.
So it was absolutely no surprise when Sadie wished 'for a never-ending supply of books'.
A wish at the State Library
Sadie's big wish day took place at the State Library of South Australia in 2018. With thanks to our incredible Wish Force, the library was decorated in an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme. Sadie and her friends enjoyed a big tea party and were invited to stay overnight at the library.
This is where Sadie received her first box of books. So overjoyed, Sadie picked one and headed to a corner of the library to read it immediately.
Thanks to the generosity of QBD Books Australia, Sadie received 500 books over time. Sadie was able to pick which books she wanted online, and QBD staff would deliver them to her (plus a few extras!) in a big box. Some of the books even included messages of support from Make-A-Wish supporters.
Every book was validation and belief that there was going to be more in life for Sadie.
Melissa, Sadie's mum
Sadie's bookcase of happiness
When Sadie would talk about her wish 'for a never-ending supply of books', her friends sometimes gave her odd looks.
“When I tell people about it – like my friends at school – they always go ‘Books? Really?’” Sadie said.
But for Sadie, books have always been the number one thing in her life. And since her wish, Sadie’s books have helped her bond with family and friends who borrow them and sometimes read with her.
“I remember my husband asking, ‘How are they going to give her an everlasting supply of books?’ and I replied, ‘Make-A-Wish can do anything," said Melissa.
Sadie's wish even inspired Melissa to become a library manager!
Turning the page
Every time she walks past her reading room at home, Sadie is reminded of her wish. “When I look at my bookshelf, it makes me feel grateful and happy,” Sadie said.
Reflecting on Sadie's wish, Melissa said that on the days when Sadie had chemotherapy at hospital, and they needed to drive home, it was the box of books sitting at their front door, that made Sadie's eyes light up.
"It was perfect," Melissa said. "Reading was something Sadie could do, even when she felt awful... Her body was sore and tired, but she would curl up with a book. Or curl up with someone else, so her little brother could sit with her, or I could, or her grandparents, and read at the same time."
The books were also useful tools for Sadie during the days and weeks she spent in the hospital. "The books put me in my own little bubble," she said.
Books were my escape when I was in the hospital. I would read a book and wouldn't be in the hospital anymore. I would be wherever the book was.
Sadie, wish recipient
