A Dance Dream Realized: Lily Santisi's Journey
After bravely battling cancer and undergoing treatments that temporarily halted her passion for dance, 12-year-old Lily Santisi of Peoria, Arizona, was vying for a way to reconnect with the art that fills her life with joy. Thanks to Make-A-Wish Arizona, her dream materialized as she became a Rockette for a day in New York City, bringing her one step closer to her aspiration of joining their ranks.
From Despair to Delight: The Power of Dance
Lily's challenging journey began in 2024 when she was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer. The aftermath of her chemotherapy, which included losing her hair and missing two dance seasons, was challenging, yet Lily's spirit remained unbroken. Her local dance studio, The Dance Project, played an integral role in keeping her connected to her passion. “My team always encouraged me and helped me get through this,” she said, emphasizing the importance of support in her recovery.
Making Wishes Come True: The Role of Make-A-Wish
Through Make-A-Wish Arizona, Lily received the opportunity of a lifetime. “Every wish is as unique as the child,” said Jessica Haag, senior director of public relations and marketing for Make-A-Wish Arizona. For Lily, meeting her dance idols was a significant moment in her recovery. Her experience included a private dance lesson with Rockettes at the esteemed Radio City Music Hall, where she learned intricate choreography and exchanged laughter and stories with professional dancers.
Lessons from the Rockettes: Encouragement to Chase Dreams
Lily discovered first-hand the dedication required to be a Rockette. “The choreography was harder and the kicks are really fun to do, but they were tough,” she admitted after her dance lesson. Yet, Lily walked away with more than just new dance moves; she returned home with a renewed hope and inspirational advice from the Rockettes themselves, encouraging her to keep dreaming.
Emotional Impact and Future Aspirations
Every performance Lily witnessed during her unforgettable day reinforced the connection she feels to dance. After seeing the Rockettes perform live, she reflected on her experiences with gratitude: “It felt really cool and special to be there with them.” With plans to return to her dance classes soon, Lily’s story resonates beyond her steps; it represents resilience, hope, and a reminder that dreams, even in the face of daunting challenges, have the power to inspire.
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