Princess for a Day

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Category: News Articles

Created on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 10:12

Every little girl dreams about becoming a princess. Sa’Maya Martin, who is recovering from transplant surgery in The Children’s Home’s Pediatric Specialty Hospital, is certainly no exception. However, unlike many little girls, Sa’Maya’s dream became a reality.

How did Sa’Maya come to be a princess you ask? It all came to be thanks to the work of the Luke Hadley Foundation. Created by Jeff and Kara Hadley, to preserve the memory of their late son Luke, the Luke Hadley Foundation strives to bring smiles to the faces of medically fragile children.

In their new program, “Monkey Around Days,” they choose medically fragile children with extended hospital stays, such as Sa’Maya, and create an extraordinary day of their choosing. For Sa’Maya, the choice was easy. She wanted to become a princess for the day…

…and that is exactly what happened. This four-year-old princess was adorned in a blue Cinderella dress and shoes, costume jewelry, and of course, a crown. Sa’Maya’s royal day included a carriage ride through the magical offices of The Children’s Home, where she greeted her loyal subjects.

She was presented with special princess presents, including a talking throne and a princess doll. She was also given her favorite foods for a royal lunch, while making fruit loop necklaces.

Throughout the day, Sa’Maya was even accompanied by her very own Fairy Godmother, played by Lani Cataldi, director of education at Gemini Children’s Theater. Sa’Maya’s special day was completed by a beautifully decorated princess cake.

“I think this brings such a light into her eyes and she’s so happy. It’s really been a happy day for her and I am very grateful for it,” said Sa’Maya’s mother, Salaya.

Watch the video and see more pictures of Princess Sa’Maya’s special day.