Zoie, a spirited young woman who triumphed over leukemia, has come full circle in her extraordinary journey.
"I was 11 years old when they diagnosed me with leukemia," Zoie recalled, reflecting on her initial diagnosis in 2010. "I underwent more than two years of treatment, and during this time, I qualified for a wish.
Her wish to travel to Atlantis, Bahamas, and swim with dolphins brought joy and respite to Zoie and her family and served as a beacon of hope during a challenging time.
"Although my treatment was going well at the time, the trip held the power to create unforgettable memories for our family. All these years later, I still think about my wish every day," Zoie said, her voice filled with appreciation.
Zoie returned home from the wish and tried her best to get back to everyday life. However, leukemia was not done testing her resilience.
During her senior year of high school, a time that should have been filled with joy and excitement, Zoie faced an aggressive relapse.
"It was devastating, but the nurses became my lifeline," Zoie reflected. "They were my medical team and my source of strength. Their unwavering support inspired me to fight and never give up."
With the support of her medical team, Zoie underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant. The relapse treatment deepened her admiration for the nurses who had cared for her.
"I knew I wanted to be like them, to make a difference in the lives of patients," Zoie shared. "Their tireless dedication showed me the true meaning of compassion."
Motivated by her newfound purpose, Zoie enrolled in nursing school at the University of Arizona, determined to pay forward the kindness and compassion she had received.
Today, Zoie stands tall as an oncology nurse at the very hospital where she once fought her own battle with cancer. Her journey represents not only her triumphs but also the hope and joy she spreads to children facing similar critical illnesses.
"Just hearing the hope in their voices, knowing their wishes will come true, brings me so much happiness," Zoie said.
Zoie's path from wish kid to nurse shines as a testament to the transformative power of a wish. As she illuminates the lives of others with her kindness, Zoie pays homage to the nurses who once brought light into her own life.
"I've achieved my college dream, landed my dream job and got married. I want to instill the same sense of hope in my patients for a future," Zoie said.
Make-A-Wish Arizona continues to empower remarkable individuals like Zoie, proof that hope can truly change lives, one wish at a time.
