Quinn's Unicorn Wish Takes Flight
6-year old Quinn sparks a movement of unicorn believers across Australia as her wish to fly with unicorn Snowy is granted in Sydney
Light in the Dark
Quinn came into the world 11 weeks early, just 29 weeks and two days old. But this was only the beginning of her health journey. A month after her fourth birthday, Quinn's mum, Sheridan noticed some spots appearing across her daughter's body. This in addition to Quinn's high fevers and lethargy, led them to the Emergency Department.
A blood test revealed leukaemia: a type of blood cancer that occurs when abnormal blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. One platelet infusion, flight to Sydney, central line insertion, and bone marrow aspiration later, revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
But despite the intense treatments and time spent away from home, Quinn developed some positive memories associated with her time spent at the Ronald McDonald House.
Collecting the Sparkle
Hearing of Quinn's wish 'to fly with a unicorn in the sky', Queen Rainbow (Queen of the unicorns) began messaging Quinn to help open her eyes and heart to the sparkle (all the good things) in the world, as this was a vital step to seeing a unicorn!
In anticipation of her wish coming true, Queen Rainbow encouraged Quinn to collect certain objects, moments, and memories that made her soul happy. Whether it was eating a cupcake, singing a song, or picturing the smile of a missed friend.
Quinn's mum, Sheridan, says that her daughter's thoughtful nature and determination to find the 'sparkle' in every day has even inspired her to do the same.
Quinn's made me more conscious of things like that. Like the sun was coming up the other day - it was really orange - I asked her to come outside, stand on the mailbox, and watch it with me.
Sheridan, Quinn's mum
A Bright Observation
Quinn's wish officially began at the Sydney Observatory, where excited Observatory Staff learned that there had been some interesting changes in the sparkle of Unicorn planet!
"We noticed that the sparkle of Unicorn planet looked different through the telescope, which is very exciting because this usually means that a unicorn might be coming to earth! So we told Quinn that we would keep an eye on this for her." - Elvie, Sydney Observatory Staff Member
Later that day, Quinn’s family received a phone call from the Observatory noting that a ball of sparkle had left Unicorn planet and was heading toward Sydney! This is when Quinn and her family received an official invitation to go on 'Unicorn Patrol' via helicopter.
Experiencing Something Rare
Whilst in the air, Quinn and her family experienced something rare to most humans: the near sighting of a unicorn! As something bright whooshed passed them, the majestic sound of chimes sounded through the helicopter. Even the pilot noticed something peculiar outside!
After landing safely back at Sydney Harbour, Quinn received a photograph that revealed there was indeed a unicorn flying nearby.
Seeing Quinn’s face light up with joy was truly priceless.
Sheridan, Quinn's mum
Meeting 'Snowy' the Unicorn
Beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Quinn and her family walked down a glimmering light path lined with the thrilled faces of those who also believe in unicorns, accompanied by the serenity of soft, majestic music.
At the end of the path, Queen Rainbow and 'Snowy' the unicorn were waiting with a special picnic, just for Quinn.
After receiving an honourary unicorn horn from Queen Rainbow, Quinn spent some up-close time with 'Snowy' - asking questions, brushing its mane, and taking photos together.
Following some snacks and story-time, a breeze in the air was Queen Rainbow's signal that it was time for her and 'Snowy' to head back home. But not without offering Quinn some final parting gifts, including a golden horseshoe and some words of encouragement - to keep looking for the 'sparkle' in each day!
A Memory of Pure Sparkle
Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said that a wish is so much more than just a single day.
“Wishes are a journey that brings hope and joy to critically ill children and their families. Quinn’s wish to fly with a unicorn is a testament to the power of a child’s imagination and the profound impact of communities coming together to make the impossible, possible for wish kids.”
Quinn’s wish was made possible through the support of volunteers, donors, and local organisations. In September and October, The Cheesecake Shop’s fundraising campaign raised vital funds for wishes like Quinn’s. Their limited-edition Unicorn Cupcakes, designed by Quinn herself, captured hearts nationwide, with $1 from every cupcake sold helping Make-A-Wish grant more life-changing wishes for kids like Quinn. The Cheesecake Shop also sold unique wish tokens, with 100% of the token values going directly to Make-A-Wish.
