Before there was a castle, a costume, or a wish come true—there was a little girl, a grieving family, and a dream.

For 9-year-old Kyliann, the magic of childhood has never come easy. Living with multiple mobility and cognitive challenges, her days are filled with therapies, hospital visits, and the kind of daily routines that most kids never have to think about. Even the simplest tasks—like getting dressed or eating—can feel overwhelming.

But what if, just for a moment, all of that could disappear?

When Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. reached out to say they wanted to help make a dream come true, they reignited something that illness had long pushed aside: wonder, freedom, and joy. They helped turn the seemingly impossible into reality.

Thanks to their incredible generosity, Kyliann experienced her Once In A Lifetime Wish: a magical journey to Walt Disney World. From the moment the family boarded their flight—generously donated by the Air Canada Foundation—everything changed. Worries faded into the background. Smiles took over.

For one extraordinary week, Kyliann wasn’t a patient. She was a princess. A dreamer. A child.

“The best part of this trip was seeing Kyliann’s smile,” shared her mom, Valérie. “The joy she showed was striking. For a moment, she forgot about her daily medical routine. She was lost in the magic of her wish!”

And as Kyliann danced through Disney dressed as royalty, awed at fireworks, met her favourite characters, or enjoyed incredible rides, there was someone else quietly by her side. Her beloved little brother, Kayden.

Kayden, who bravely faced his own medical battles, became a Starlight angel before being able to receive a wish of his own. While his wish never came true, his family cherishes the beautiful memories they were able to create with Starlight Canada—whether it was riding in exotic cars at Drive For Smiles, taking a peaceful pontoon ride on the water, or enjoying an accessible Halloween party.

That’s why, through every step of the journey, his spirit and love felt so present. In every laugh, every hug, and every magical moment, Kayden’s light shone through—bringing them closer to the brother and son they miss every single day.

“These were magnificent moments that will be forever engraved in our memories,” Valérie said. “This trip was filled with love, magic and joy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are no deeper words. Life can sometimes throw difficulties our way. Illness is there. It’s real. But despite all of that, our family can still find a little comfort and strength to keep going. And it’s thanks to Starlight Canada that we’re able to continue creating magical memories.”

Every moment of magic starts with someone like you. But time matters for thousands of children like Kyliann and Kayden. Their childhood is happening now. Give today and help us deliver hope when it’s needed most. Become a monthly donor and ensure that more dreams don’t have to wait.

Or go one step further. Join compassionate partners like Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. and sponsor an entire Once In A Lifetime Wish.

Because behind every wish is a child. Behind every child is a story. And behind every story, there’s someone who made it happen. Let that someone be you.