Ayra with Tengku Zatashah, flanked by Tan (left) and Ho.
Nine-year-old cancer patient gets organisation’s 1,000th wish
MAKE-A-Wish Malaysia celebrated its 1,000th wish milestone by fulfilling the request of Ayra Medina Muhammad Fizrullah, 9, a neuroblastoma patient.
The organisation, dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children with critical illnesses, partnered with Sunway Malls and Theme Park for the event.
The public and donors were invited to the event, “Pearl of Hope: A Royal Celebration”, where they witnessed Ayra’s dream of becoming a “mermaid princess” come true.
Her journey began with a royal coronation at Pink Island in Sunway Lagoon, where she was crowned by Make-A-Wish Malaysia royal patron and Selangor princess, Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
She was then presented with a pearl sceptre by Sunway Theme Parks executive director Calvin Ho.
To complete her transformation, Ayra headed to the Surf Beach pool, where she donned a mermaid tail and wetsuit, and was joined by other mermaids for a seashell hunting activity.
Guests were also invited to explore activities inspired by Ayra’s wish.
They enjoyed mermaid cupcakes as well as makeovers complete with face painting and hair styling and a dedicated photo corner to memorialise their day.
The mermaid princess on her throne.
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our donors and partners, which has enabled us to grant 1,000 wishes,” said Make-A-Wish Malaysia chief executive officer Irene Tan.
“We strive to give back to the community by sharing the joy and power of granting a wish to critically ill children worldwide,” Tan said.
“We hope this celebration will inspire Malaysians to become their own ‘pearls of hope’ and help us to grant the next 1,000 wishes.”
Ho said they were honoured to make Ayra’s dream a reality at Sunway Lagoon.
“We hope this magical experience creates lasting memories for Ayra and her family.”
Ayra’s father, Muhammad Fizrullah, said seeing her laugh and be a child was a joy to behold.
“The happiness on Ayra’s face when she was crowned ‘mermaid princess’ is something our family will cherish forever.
“This wish-granting experience has brought so much courage to Ayra and given all of us a renewed sense of hope and strength,” he said.
Ayra and her family were also treated to a stay at Sunway Resort Hotel.
