"I wonder if sea turtles like cotton candy."
Rachelle
Northlands adopted Wish Child
"Meet Rachelle, Northlands adopted wish child. A 10-year-old who's been through a lot more than any 10-year-old should ever have to endure. So when the Make-A-Wish Foundation told us about this brave little girl, we were happy to help. After all, putting smiles on faces, young and old, is our specialty. Rachelle's wish to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii is the first of many uplifting wishes Northlands will grant through its new partnership with Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta."
Q & A
Rachelle's thoughts via Mom Karen
What's your connection to Northlands?
Rachelle went through some tough times after her diagnosis and surgeries. It was a blessing to hear the Make-A-Wish Foundation was going to grant her a wish. When we finally received word that Northlands would adopt Rachelle's wish of swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii she was over the moon!
What's your favourite Northlands moment or experience?
Our trip to Capital EX last year was filled with all kinds of great moments for Rachelle. She especially loved riding on the swings and the big yellow slide. The butterfly tent was a huge highlight too.
What's the first concert you attended at Northlands?
Rachelle was hoping that Katy Perry would be her first concert, but tickets were already sold out by the time I called. When Northlands heard that, they surprised us with tickets. Rachelle was thrilled. No, ecstatic. All the positive attention she's received lately has really turned her mood around—and these tickets were the icing on the cake.
Corn Dogs or Mini Donuts?
Mini donuts, for sure. But she also loves the Elephant Ears and Cotton Candy.
How has Northlands changed your life?
Receiving news that Northlands was adopting her wish was a huge lift to Rachelle. For the first time in a long time she had something positive to look forward to. Even hearing she would get her hair and make-up done for this photoshoot was thrilling for her. She's just overwhelmed by all the excitement that's surrounding her. It's so great to see.
What is the one thing about Northlands you want to tell Edmontonians that they might not know?
Rachelle told me that she knew Northlands was a fun place to go and ride rides, but she didn't know that they did other stuff like adopting wishes.
