“Sarai, your wish has been granted!”
The announcement rang out Saturday, March 14, as 11-year-old Sarai Fells walked into the Dumas Fire Station on Waterman Street, where family, friends and community members had gathered to surprise her.
The celebration revealed that Sarai’s wish to visit Walt Disney World Resort had been granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
City officials, community members and the Boreani family — volunteers with the foundation — joined Sarai’s family to celebrate the moment.
Sarai said she loved the surprise and was both nervous and excited to see so many people gathered.
“Thank you. I love everything and I appreciate you very much,” she said.
Following the announcement, those in attendance joined in prayer before Sarai opened gifts to prepare for her upcoming trip, including new clothing, a swimsuit, games, a water bottle, a backpack and luggage.
Sarai will travel to Orlando with her parents, Samuel and Fundra Fells, during spring break. She was nominated for the program by Arkansas Children's Hospital. Children selected for the program are given the opportunity to share three wish ideas.
Fundra Fells described the experience as a blessing and thanked those who helped make the day special.
“We were really surprised when they told us they were granting her a Make-A-Wish,” she said. “I thank God for the opportunity for her wish to go to Disney World to come true.”
Samuel Fells said the trip is something Sarai has long hoped for.
“She was excited,” he said. “This is something she has been praying about. Her dream has always been to go to Disney World.”
The Boreani family serves as Wish Granters for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family works together to help grant wishes for children facing serious illnesses across Arkansas.
The group includes Ashley Boreani, Dumas native Chris Boreani, daughters Rachel Boreani and Lauren Huggins, son-in-law Ty Huggins, and granddaughters Reagan and Millie Huggins.
Sarai also continued a Boreani family tradition by signing their Make-A-Wish banner, which includes the signatures of every child whose wish the family has helped grant.
Children can be nominated for Make-A-Wish through hospitals, doctors and nurses.
To learn more or get involved, visit wish.org.
