A dream come true

Make-A-Wish grants wishes of Springfield sisters with cystic fibrosis

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A dream come true Make-A-Wish grants wishes of Springfield sisters with cystic fibrosis By ERICKA SCHOFF Marley (left) and Natalie (right) Macie stand with mice from Cinderella with their sister, Madeline Macie (center back), during their recent trip to Walt Disney World. COURTESY PHOTO Marley (left) and Natalie (right) Macie stand with mice from Cinderella with their sister, Madeline Macie (center back), during their recent trip to Walt Disney World. COURTESY PHOTO SPRINGFIELD — While growing up, children will encounter many life-changing events. However, the severity of these events varies from child to child. Marley and Natalie Macie are sisters who have dealt with an abundance of challenges in their short lives. The girls are only seven and eight years old, but have spent countless hours and days in the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth for their cystic fibrosis. Enlarge Map The girls were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth and have continued to fight through infections and illnesses while still enjoying their days spent with their sister, Madeline. An average day for Marley and Natalie consists of waking up and using their special vests and nebulizer treatments. The girls must have enzymes before every meal and take about 25 pills a day. Their guardian, Lisa Macie, whom the girls refer to as Nonnie, loves to make her girls happy. Lisa applied for wishes from the Make-A-Wish organization, who grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In January, Marley’s wish came true. Marley and her family were excited to head to Orlando, Florida for a week of fun wandering around Disney’s parks. Natalie received her wish, too. This spring, she will have her dream tree house built in her backyard. The girls and their family ventured through Disney’s Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. The girls spent the week going on rides, watching Nemo: The Musical and going to parades. “I liked the Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest,” said Marley Macie. “The Yeti at Everest tried to get me.” The girls were especially pleased to meet their favorite Disney princesses. Madeline was happy to be with girls, but appreciate all of the extra help that Make-A-Wish provided. “All of the workers are volunteers and wanted to be there. They were so kind and helpful,” said Madeline. “I think the experience helped the girls become more grateful. They received so much and it was all because of Make- A-Wish. It was their dream come true and they realized that.”