The Little Girl Who Wished to See the Pope
You’re facing an illness that can kill you and are asked what wish might bring you some happiness as you stare down death. What would you request?
Now, put yourself in the shoes of a child in that situation.
Most children wish to see Walt Disney World, or meet their favorite sports star, but Tayde Cruz Dodds had a different wish when she was facing cancer as a child several years ago.
She wanted to meet the Pope.
Pope John Paul II.
The folks at Make-a-Wish weren’t sure they could make it happen, but they are in the business of pulling off miracles, and that’s exactly what they did, more ways than one.
Not only did Tayde get to meet the Pope, but then he invited her to a private mass.
He prayed for her. He prayed for her family. He prayed for all the children treated at St. Jude.
After that trip, one month before what was to be her final chemo treatment, she found out the cancer was back, yet again. A third time.
She felt hopeless and disappointed.
But she remembered the Pope’s words…to keep believing, and she did.
All the way into remission.
Now, decades later, she returns to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to provide hope to other children facing diseases that could kill them.
She believes she would not have survived without the help from the people of St. Jude.
The saint gave her hope.
Now, she gives hope to others.
Hear the story about her wish in the video below. And if you have the ability to help others at St. Jude, there are several opportunities throughout the year, from the St. Jude Run/Walk to the Thanks and Giving campaign. Go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to learn more.
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