“Ruby’s eyes look so yellow,” lamented her mom, Melissa.

Born with a liver condition that affects about one in 15,000 babies, Ruby had just undergone surgery at eight weeks old to prevent liver failure. Yellow eyes signaled the impending need for a liver transplant.

Before she turned 4, Ruby spent over 300 days on the donor waitlist. In the hospital, Melissa read to her. Books helped Ruby fall asleep and became an escape from pain.

Ruby’s parents shared their daughter’s journey on social media, which inspired a young girl to send Ruby a bracelet with the word BRAVE spelled out. Ruby clung to her bracelet with newfound resolve.

And then the hopeful call came! A match was found. Ruby would receive the life-saving gift of a liver. GRATITUDE sparked a new chapter of healing. Soon after surgery, Ruby’s medical team told her parents about Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, saying, “A wish provides a platform of hope and a new beginning for Ruby.”

Inspired by her bracelet and what she learned through enduring illness and waiting, Ruby wished to create a children’s book about her experience to give hope to others facing overwhelming obstacles. Ruby’s story teaches kindness, evokes empathy and inspires others to be brave.

But how would she get her book into the hands of those who needed it most?

“Make-A-Wish helped us build a story from a place of pain to the place of victory and celebration, which was good closure for her journey. This book was the perfect gift for her.” – Gabriel, Ruby’s dad

THIS IS WHERE YOU ENTER A WISH CHILD’S STORY…

Starting at the hospital hundreds of miles from home and ending in a local bookstore, Ruby’s helpers emerged from within her community. This talented crew carried our heroine from tragedy to triumph.

After the doctors and nurses performed Ruby’s transplant surgery, wish-granting volunteers, Joyce Mullane and Vickie Roig, sought the right people to make Ruby’s wish a reality.

A professional illustrator donated her services and used her artistic abilities to bring Ruby’s cartoon character to life. The Hollace House Publishing & Hollace Writing Services collaborated with Ruby’s family to edit her story.

Owner and founder of Hollace House Publishing, Barbara Hollace, said, “I never dreamed that my gifts and talents would be used to make a difference in the life of a brave little girl. I’m excited to see her grow up and change the world!”

Grey Dog Press published the book. And the Wishing Tree Bookstore in her hometown agreed to host Ruby’s wish celebration and book signing.

Wish volunteer and owner of Alder Photography, Jessica Alderson, offered to capture this momentous occasion, saying, “Ruby’s story and thoughtfulness, love and encouragement behind her book really drew me in.”

What she couldn’t capture are the generous supporters behind the scenes – people like YOU – who write wishes like Ruby’s into the pages of Make-A-Wish history.

Snow fell. But it didn’t deter the special gathering at The Wishing Tree Bookstore. Ruby’s mom, Melissa, said, “We kept Ruby’s wish a secret from friends and family. They didn’t know why we invited them there. It was exciting.”

With big brown eyes twinkling like her smile, Ruby strolled with her parents and her baby brother into the bookstore. Her pink dress matched the occasion – big and beautiful. Balloons, cupcakes and copies of her book graced the entryway.

When Ruby entered, cheers and applause erupted from over 50 guests who showed up to celebrate the brave heroine. Some of Ruby’s medical team drove from Seattle. The Make-A-Wish Spokane staff helped decorate. Local wish volunteers came to support this endearing wish in the making. And Jessica took photos of every little thing, saying, “It was so beautiful to witness her family and friends there to support her and listen to the book. Ruby was a bit shy but eventually opened up and thoroughly enjoyed her day. Ruby is the sweetest little girl and it was an amazing experience to be a part of her wish. There were a lot of emotions that day!”

Tears fell from more than just Ruby’s mom as she sat Ruby on her lap and read her book, page by page. The cartoon characters implied a fictional story, but this journey reflected a hard, grueling reality. And yet the journey inspired a message of bravery – a message that brought people together.

Volunteer Vickie Roig reflected, “The most moving time of the wish came AFTER almost everyone had left. Ruby’s father gathered the Make-A-Wish crew into a circle and asked if he could pray for us. He thanked us for the work we do and asked God’s blessing on all of us and our families. Ruby’s parents were weeping, as were several of us. I’ve been a volunteer for close to 15 years and have never had such a grateful and gracious response to a wish. It was such a tender moment – one I’ll never forget.”

Ruby’s wish day left a mark, like a personalized inscription on a page – one that reminded everyone of the author’s grit and grace to wish this book into being.

“Ruby’s book is life-giving. It’s something she can hold and remember forever. Thank you – to everyone who had a hand in making her wish come true,” shared Ruby’s mom, Melissa.

Ruby’s mom’s gratitude stretches to you, friend. But this is not the end.

Next year marks our 40th anniversary. Our work is far from over. Your steadfast support ensures that we have the necessary resources to deliver the transformational gift of a wish to every eligible child in our territory.