Alejandro
Beaches, dolphins and family fun
Alejandro Samano knew he wanted to go to Cancun, Mexico once he saw a video from his grandfather's trip there years ago. This thoughtful and intelligent ten-year-old dreamed of swimming with dolphins and envisioned making great memories, much like his grandfather.
Alejandro was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, roughly a year ago. Despite chemotherapy and numerous hospital visits in attempts to prevent the cancer from spreading from the lymph nodes throughout the rest of the body, Alejandro kept his sense of humor and his loving smile. After his nurse referred him and his family to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Alejandro's wish to travel to Cancun was about to come true, and he was ecstatic. The arrangements were made, and Alejandro and his family were off to Mexico.
He and his family arrived at the all-inclusive Dreams Puerto Aventura Resort and did not hesitate to begin their adventure. One of their first stops was to Dreams Cancun for the Delphinus Dolphin experience. Alejandro was able to swim with dolphins and was even able to stay longer in the
water with the trainer to actually help train the dolphins.
The Samano family was also able to travel to Maya to see Chichen Itza and gain insight to the Mayan culture. Alejandro and his family toured the Mayan ruins and explored this infamous archeological site. Not only did the family enjoy these special activities, but they also enjoyed the simple pleasures of the resort. They loved taking afternoon walks down by the marina, hanging out in the Jacuzzi, and spending time with each other, free of hospital visits and checkups with doctors.
"Thank you does not seem like enough for something as incredible as this," Alejandro's mom said. "We did not want to go through this ordeal with cancer, but since we had to, it was comforting to know that the Make-A-Wish [Foundation] was there, wanting to do something extraordinary to bring us happiness."
The trip was a success, and Alejandro was able to recreate the happiness his grandfather felt during his travels to Mexico, and capture lasting memories for himself.
More than 70% of wishes granted are travel related. Frequent Flier Miles are always needed to help grant these wishes.
