Clarissa was diagnosed with Leukemia on December 30, 1996. She was 2 ˝ years old. She has been undergoing a chemotherapy protocol for 2 full years now. During this time Clarissa has had: 46 days of inpatient stays, 56 outpatient visits, 183 needles in her chest, hand, arm and back, 14 spinal taps, 4 bone marrow aspirations, 2 blood transfusions and she has consumed about 712 chemo pills and about 382 teaspoons of antibiotics. She is currently in remission but her chemotherapy treatment will continue for another 6 months. She will need to have regular blood tests until she is at least 18 years old.

Clarissa loves the ballet. She has gone to ballet class since September 1997. Clarissa's wish was to go see the Nutcracker and meet the characters. Following are excerpts from a letter our wish granting volunteer received from Clarissa's mother:

Thank you for helping to make Clarissa's dream come true…..The whole day was special - from the private limousine ride to the backstage tour. Clarissa asked for days afterward if we could see the Nutcracker again. I finally had to buy the video to satisfy her desire for the ballet.

Your attention to detail is a testimony to the fact that Make-A-Wish Foundation is a well run organization. Even the "spending money" was a treat. Clarissa bought a box of six Nutcracker Christmas tree ornaments which she proudly hung on our tree at home.

The backstage tour was extra special. Clarissa still puts on the signed toe shoes when she watches the Nutcracker video.

The brunch was so special too because Clarissa met so many of the other dancers and they were so kind to her……Thanks again for making such a special dream come true!