A number of P.E.I. youngsters got to live out their superhero and princess fantasies on the weekend.
The Delta Prince Edward was transformed into a wonderland for kids during the Princess and Superhero Party presented by Lawtons Drugs in support of the P.E.I. chapter of the Children's Wish Foundation.
Many kids came prepared to meet some of their favourite Disney and cartoon characters by dressing up in their own superhero and princess costumes.
Seven-year-old Harrison Maye, a former wish child, was one of those children.
Harrison was dressed up as Captain America, while his brother Lincoln was Spider-Man and sister Felicity was in a princess dress and tiara.
“They were really excited,” said the children’s mother Sherri Maye. “They remembered how much fun they had dressed up (last year) and all the fun things they got to do.”
Apart from dressing up and meeting their favourite characters, the event also saw some fancy face painting, makeup and nails, a “royally rocking” dance party, sing-alongs, ballerina performances and other fun games and activities.
Beth Corney Gauthier, director of the P.E.I. chapter, said she was extremely grateful for the support from those at the event.
“It was wonderful to see all the families out. It was really exciting because the children were just so excited,” said Corney Gauthier. “When (the children are) looking at these princesses and superheroes, it’s as real as can be to them.”
Proceeds from the event will support the P.E.I. chapter, which is dedicated to granting heartfelt wishes to children between the ages of three to 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Currently, the P.E.I. chapter is working on 20 wishes for Island children.
Maye described the huge impact the foundation had on her family when Harrison, who was previously diagnosed with cancer, was in hospital.
She said that planning Harrison’s wish, a trip to Disney World, helped keep his mind off his illness during some long days in hospital.
“It was a great distraction from what was really going on in our lives,” said Sherri, noting that the family went on their trip in December 2016, about three weeks after finding out Harrison was cancer-free. “It was a great way to celebrate him being cancer-free and us making it through this really tough time.”
Sherri said she is also realizing how much the wish meant to her son.
While Harrison has begun to forget those long days in the hospital, the fond memories he made with his family during the trip are still at the forefront.
“I certainly recognize what that wish did for us ... the memories of the sickness are gone but he’ll never forget his wish,” said Sherri, who praised the members of the foundation’s P.E.I. chapter. “It had a huge impact and I’m so passionate about the work Children’s Wish does.”
Corney Gauthier noted that anyone can be a referral source for a wish. Anyone who knows someone qualified to receive a wish can reach the P.E.I. chapter at 902-566-5526 or email [email protected].
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