I wish to learn to make cakes 
Waed, age 7, Italy

Waed is a seven-year-old Libyan little girl, who has been in Italy for some time to treat her neuroblastoma.

Waed told Make-A-Wish Italy volunteers that only her father was in Rome with her, because her mother had to stay in Libya with her newborn sister and her brothers. Waed missed her mum so much. She wished she could have been close to her at the hospital after her operation and during therapy.

She told Make-A-Wish Italy volunteers a lot about her mum. She spoke of the lovely memories of the times when they made delicious cakes together at home in Libya. Her greatest wish, in fact, was to learn to make cakes. She wished not only to learn new recipes to teach her mother once back in Libya, but also to feel closer to her while she was so far from her Libyan home while in Rome. Make-A-Wish Italy made her wish come true, thanks to the culinary school Cordon Bleu.

At Cordon Bleu, she wore an apron and a chef’s hat, and by following the instructions of two wonderful chefs, she was taught many baking secrets. Working together, they managed to bake two simple recipes. It was amazing to see her smile grow brighter and brighter throughout the day.

It was a touching experience for all, especially because something special was happening in that moment: one of the simplest wishes that had ever been wished was coming true. All involved knew that that day would stay in Waed’s heart.