Royal wish granted

POST FALLS - It was already a big day for Lane Sanwald of Post Falls. The 5-year-old girl had been through a morning of scans, including her very first MRI without needing sedation.

She was being extra brave and motivated because she knew that she was going to find out that night if her wish to Make-A-Wish Idaho would be granted. Lane loves Disney and princesses. She wished for a trip to Disneyland.

The day brought amazing news - Lane's scans were clear. As her volunteer wish granters pulled up to her house that night, the family was gathered on the porch. It was an unusually hot June evening, with temperatures near 100. Lane and her family were cooling off with bags of ice. Sporting a bright green "Survivor" shirt, Lane popped up from the porch with the look of excitement and anticipation.

She then saw that there was someone else with her wish granters. Around the corner came balloons and Princess Belle to see Lane. Hugs and smiles were everywhere from Lane, to her sisters and her parents. A real princess had come to see Lane and she was nearly speechless.

Everyone headed inside to visit, and Lane was eagerly waiting to find out about her wish. Jill Marfice, one of her wish granters, asked Lane if she was ready to hear the news.

Lane nodded yes, almost too nervous to talk.

Princess Belle leaned forward and shared the great news with Lane: Her wish was being granted.

Cheers and a few tears of happiness erupted from the room. This was truly a day to remember for Lane. There were more hugs and talking with Princess Belle. The kids grabbed the neighbors to show them there was a princess in their house and share the exciting news.

Before Princess Belle had to go, the wish granters left a few fun surprises for the kids to enjoy later: princess Play-Doh, Snow White non-poisonous apple Rice Krispy treats and Lumiere candle stick pretzels (pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate and covered in yellow sprinkles).

Goodbyes were said on the porch, with neighborhood kids running around with cameras taking pictures like the paparazzi. Princess Belle and Lane exchanged one last hug as Princess Belle said, "Lane, you promise you will have fun at Disneyland and get all the princesses' autographs?" Lane ecstatically shook her head yes.

Not only did Lane find out she got her wish granted, she got to meet a princess and find out she's a cancer survivor all in the same day. While it's certain Lane and her family will have an epic time on their Disneyland adventure, right now Lane got to experience a day of sheer joy, strength and triumph. There might not be anything much better than that.

Make-A-Wish Idaho grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Those interested in helping share the power of a wish by making a cash donation, becoming a volunteer or wish granter or becoming a business sponsor, can find more information by visiting www.idaho.wish.org or connecting with Make-A-Wish Idaho on Facebook or Twitter.

Nicole Skinner is a volunteer wish granter for Make-A-Wish Idaho. She is a Post Falls resident and was one of Lane Sanwald's wish granters.