Grace’s Fairy Wish Comes True
From mermaids and fairies, to sparkling potions and treasure hunts, 7-year-old Grace's one true wish came true at the Maroochy Botanical Gardens
A diagnosis that changed everything
Grace was just four years old when her parents first noticed her limping. Concerned, they sought medical advice—only to hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: your child has leukaemia.
In an instant, Grace’s world became one of hospital visits, tests, and treatment. It was during this challenging time that her family learned about Make-A-Wish through their social case worker at the Queensland Children’s Hospital oncology unit.
Despite everything she was facing, Grace’s imagination never wavered. She has always loved fairies and believes they have magical powers to help people. After hearing from a friend that “if you write letters to fairies, they’ll write back,” Grace began sending letters to her fairy friend, Lilac, and to her delight, Lilac replied!
Those heart-warming moments sparked a beautiful idea: Grace wished for a fairy party, surrounded by her friends and family and her favourite magical creatures—including a mermaid.
A wish filled with wonder
On the day of her wish, Grace was joined by over 20 guests—friends, family, and five Make-A-Wish volunteers from the Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast branches for a celebration as unique and special as she is.
✨ The fairy experience began with a warm welcome from a real-life mermaid
🌸 Children made flower crowns and magic wands with the Wildlings fairy
🔮 They mixed glittering potions said to hold magical powers
💎 A crystal treasure hunt led them through the forest trails
🎨 A face painter brought even more sparkle and colour to the day
A wish gives them something to look forward to...
Matt, Grace's dad
Providing much-needed joy
To top it off, there was a stunning purple fairy cake and rainbow cupcakes—Grace’s favourite!
Every detail was designed just for Grace, reflecting her joyful personality and limitless imagination, which goes to show that every wish is just as unique as the child themselves.
Grace’s dad, Matt described the impact of her wish in words that resonate with many wish families:
“A wish helps the children throughout that journey where there’s a lot of things you normally do that you can’t do. A wish gives them something to look forward to and keeps them going. It helps a lot of families through tough times.”
Wishes that inspire hope
Sally Bateman, CEO of Make-A-Wish Australia, said Grace’s wish is a perfect example of how each wish is tailored to the child’s unique interests and visions.
“Grace’s wish was filled with all the sparkle, colour, and fun that makes childhood so special—and it’s exactly the kind of joy we strive to create for every wish child,” she said. “With the support of fundraisers across the country and events including Bake A Wish, we’re able to grant more wishes like Grace’s.”
