Turning one teenage-girl's dream into reality, started in Wisconsin and ended in the Midlands. Due to an illness, the teen spends weeks at a time inside a hospital every year. One thing that has always been by her side is her favorite stuffed Koala. On Tuesday she got the rare opportunity to meet the real thing.
14-year-old Mindy Zaleski is living a dream. The Wisconsin teen is shy, but lights up when it comes to talking about what brought her to Columbia.
"I've like Koala's for like three years now," said Mindy.
At first sight, you would never know Mindy has a potentially life-threatening disease. The teen has diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis--a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Mindy's mother, Betty, calls moments like the one on Tuesday--a once in a lifetime experience.
"It's just incredible, just amazing," said Betty. "I mean we could never do it for her and I'm at a loss for words."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation stepped in to make Mindy's dream come true; with help from the Riverbanks Zoo and 3-year-old Jimmy, the Koala.
"This is the best experience we could have had," said Betty.
Lindsey Burke with Riverbanks Zoo says topping the days agenda, was allowing Mindy to put her worries aside and be a teen.
"We felt this was a special circumstance and we felt like it would make a difference," said Burke. "You could see the smile on her face, even though it was covered by a mask. Her eyes were shining, her family was so happy."
"Its just exciting, it's fun," said Mindy.
The day proved dreams really do come true.
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