Make-A-Wish and Belvidere Central surprise student battling cancer

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Daily Republican
Natalie Pace, her mother, and sister Naomi are looking forward to visiting Japan courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Illinois Foundation.

Editor

In January of 2017, Natalie Pace of Poplar Grove, and a student at Belvidere Central Middle School, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that requires a lengthy series of treatments. In Natalie’s case, it also required surgery. The surgery was performed on Feb. 28, 2018.

Her illness made Natalie eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“It took a little longer for Natalie to get her wish to go to Japan,” said Make-A-Wish granter and volunteer Jessica Hayes. “She wasn’t feeling well when we were first ready for her.”

Together Make-A-Wish and Belvidere Central Middle School worked to surprise Natalie with a Japanese-themed party as they notified her she would be going to Japan with her family this summer. The outdoor event, which had been planned turned into an indoor party since the weather continued to rain down on Belvidere. 325 eighth grade students filled the cafeteria for the event.

“I had no idea,” said Natalie. “I was totally bamboozled, a little confused, and very excited. I was a little nervous when I came in and saw people with cameras. I had no idea what was going on.

“Then I saw the lady from Make-A-Wish and I knew what it was. There were three things I wanted to do: go to Japan and tour anime studios, see Camelot in New York, and meet the Dalai Lama.

“When I got sick, I had a lot of time to spend on the internet. I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and environments. Japan seemed like a whole ‘nother world. I was so curious. I am looking forward to everything. I like sushi a lot. I want to visit Mount Fuji. I want to see lots of cafes, the beach, and the hot springs.”

“We are arranging for her to see some…

For full article, pick up the May 27 BDR