Make-A-Wish and The Woodlands Mall Grant Eight-Year-Old the Shopping Spree of Her Dreams

THE WOODLANDS, TX — Eight-year-old, Kendall, has sickle cell anemia, a blood disease that causes a lack of healthy red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. Common symptoms include anemia, episodes of pain, swelling of hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth, and vision problems. 

“She goes through so much,” said Kendall’s mom, Tyler Hayes, who was beaming at the sight of her daughter so happy and celebrated at Saturday’s Make-A-Wish event.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses all over the world. They arranged an all-out shopping spree for Kendall and her best friend, making for a day filled with positivity and smiles.

After a trip to Target, Kendall, her friend, and her family, arrived at The Woodlands Mall in a stretch limo. Awaiting their arrival were four mounted police officers, whose horses were dressed up with ribbons and glitter for a special hello.

Team members from the the mall greeted Kendall with gifts then she was on her way to shop to her heart’s content. The stores she was most excited for: Claire's, The LEGO Store, Forever21, and The Pet Store. Plus lunch at Shake Shack!

“It is our pleasure to partner with an excellent organization,” said Ted Harris, Sr. General Manager of The Woodlands Mall. “We’re just very happy and proud to be a part of it,” he said.

The day truly was a wish come true. “I just love seeing her happy,” Hayes said. “We try to do as much as we can for ourselves … the help other people want to do for her means a lot.”

Visit the Make-A-Wish website for further information on how to help other children in need.

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