MANILA, Philippines - Make-A-Wish Foundation is an organization that focuses on enriching the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. Its mission reflects the life-changing impact of wish granting on the lives of the children, their families, donors, sponsors and their entire communities. This year marks the 1,000th wish to be granted here in the Philippines, meaning the recipient, Erica Lei dela Cruz, was one lucky girl!
Erica’s wish was to become a fashion designer. As soon as I heard of her wish, I knew I had to be involved. I was contacted by Kahlil Bagatsing, director of Make-A-Wish Philippines about this opportunity. He told me a little bit about Erica and her condition, but soon after, I felt the call to action.
Earlier this month, I finally met her. My heart skipped a beat because, at that moment, I knew it was possible for me to help make her wish come true! Right away, I reached out to some friends in the fashion industry to help me with her wish. Fashion designer Rajo Laurel signed on immediately to be her “fairy godmother” in order to mentor her and help bring her drawings to life. Michealle Torres, editor in chief of Metro magazine, offered to do a photo shoot for her so that she could experience what it’s like to have her designs photographed. Fashion photographer Sarah Black captured her designs and spirit on camera.
It was such a humbling and overwhelming experience. More than anything, we all felt so blessed to be part of it.
Check out my photo diary from that day. Enjoy!