Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteer Barbara Salminen writes:

The first time I called Taneisha, I knew this was going to be a special wish. I could literally hear Taneisha bouncing around the room to get her mom when I called-she was SO excited!

When I met Taneisha she had her wish all ready (I knew she had been thinking hard!). She wanted a Sponge Bob Square Pants room make-over. What a neat idea! I was also excited for this wish because it meant that I could spend more time with Taneisha than any other wish child I had worked with up to that point.

I was able to go over to Taneisha's house a few times and spend some time with her mom and her brothers. Taneisha received lots of nice things for her room including: a canopy bed, a dresser, tv/vcr combo, shelves, tv/radio stand, Sponge Bob bedding and pillows and border! (By the end of that wish I was dreaming about Sponge Bob!)

It was such a blast for me to be welcomed into their home. Her brother and I spent a few hours one night putting up the border which was quite a task, but lots of fun. While spending the time with Taneisha and her family, I learned that she is an energetic, sweet, funny young girl. I sensed a lot of love among her and her family and I was touched by her beautiful spirit.

When I decided to to be a volunteer with Make-A-Wish, I was doing it to give something to the children and families who are touched with such hard times. I never realized how much I would gain in return. As I left Taneisha's house the last time she gave me her "business" card which read, "Girls Rule! Incorporated...Taneisha...Future Oncologist..." This girl does rule and I have been blessed to have shared a part of her journey.