Alison was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, a type of liver disease, in 2012, and as she has grown up, she has received frequent treatment at Crumlin Hospital and Kerry University Hospital.
However, Alison doesn’t let this slow her down, with her mum Aisling telling us “Her zest for life is infectious.” Other people would go to the ends of the earth to meet their heroes. We are blessed because we are rearing ours.” She loves astronomy and the moon, and is fascinated with the apollo missions!
When volunteers Marney and Martina talked with Alison, they told us that her enthusiasm for astronomy was remarkable, and she was eager to show them her display of planets across her ceiling!
Alison’s hero is Astronaut and Make-A-Wish Ireland supporter Norah Patten and she loves her book ‘Shooting for the Stars.’ Norah had previously sent Alison a birthday card.
After meeting with Alison her wish was crystal clear, to meet with her hero, Norah Patten. Once our wish granting team had organised Alison’s wish day, we sent an anticipation Invitation to her just before Christmas. Mum Aisling decided to put the invitation under the tree to surprise Alison for Christmas. When the family were watching the late late toy show in December, who else but Norah Patten made an appearance! Alison nearly jumped out of her skin, telling her mum “I would give anything to see her!” Aisling told us that the family were all very emotional watching Alison’s reaction, knowing what was to come. “Ulrich and I would have travelled anywhere for Alison to meet this amazing, wonderful lady.”
When her wish day finally arrived, the family travelled to the Rochestown Park Hotel, where a welcome hamper was waiting for them in their room along with a selection of delicious cakes. Mum Aisling told us that the staff in the hotel couldn’t have done more for our family, they were “first-class!”
Next, the family travelled to the beautiful Blackrock Castle Observatory, which had been closed especially for Alison’s wish day! The family were greeted by Donna, Daniella and Alan, They learned from Daniella about the night sky via an interactive video, seeing the position of the stars and planets. Afterwards, Norah Patten entered the tented Dome, asking, “is there room for one more?” Alison was overcome with emotion and couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw her hero! The family and Norah then explored ‘Big Bertha’, a large telescope that is at the heart of the observatory. Alan explained how the telescope worked and taught Alison all about black holes.
Alison and Norah spent the day together, talking about space and the stars. Norah told Alison about all the jobs that are linked to astronomy and encouraged her to follow her dreams and shoot for the stars! Alison showed Norah some of her favourite astronomy projects and photos. Norah also gifted Alison patches that had been to space as a memento of their meeting!. Donna then took Alison into the astronomy shop in Blackrock Castle and treated Alison to stunning astronomy gifts. Later Donna organised a table for the family in the adjacent café, where the Schraewer family enjoyed a delicious meal. While there we spoke together about our amazing day and all the astounding people we have met throughout Alisons Make A Wish journey. To this day we can not believe how amazing the Make a wish team are, from start to finish they are gorgeous, kind hearted, hardworking people. They really do make dreams come true for all the wonderful children. We could not believe our luck.
Initially the family delt with Marney and Martina on zoom, they were absolute class to speak with. They listened and engaged 100 percent with Alison and her mom. They showed great empathy and kindness towards Alison. They can really relate to children and see how beautiful children are. It was incredible to meet Marney in person in the observatory.
A special thank you to all the staff in Blackrock Castle, Rochestown Park Hotel, and of course the inspirational Norah Patten for helping to make Alisons wish come true!
Norah Patton was unequivocally amazing and inspirational. She gave Alison care, love, time and attention. Alison was encouraged by Norah to follow her dreams. Ulrich, Alison and I were very emotional saying goodbye to Norah. As Norah was leaving she said to Alison “ I will see you again” Mam Aisling told us “There are no words to describe how amazing Alisons special day was and how precious the memories are to us all. Make A Wish Ireland have certainly made our gorgeous precious Alison’s dreams come true. Alison can now continue to follow her dreams and “shoot for the stars” Ulrich, Alison and I wish to thank everyone who made this amazing day happen. These memories we will cherish all our lives. Thank you all so much.
We spoke to Aisling, Alison’s Mom about their journey:
What was Alison like as she was growing up ?
Alison has never changed since day 1, she is so beautiful, loving, kind, caring honest , intelligent, and proactive. As a child Alison loved to watch programmes on how things were made. When we went to The National Ploughing Championship Alison would walk straight up to the stands and ask the personnel about their product.
Her interest in Astronomy started at a very young age and she has never deviated from this. Alison is a member of Astronomy Ireland and she has always loved building space related items eg The Nasa Apollo Saturn V, The Lunar Space. Station, The Apollo 11 Space craft and The Nasa Apollo 11 Lunar Lander. She has a wonderful inquisitive mind. When she picked up Norah Pattons book Ulrich and I knew Alison was hooked on astronomy for life.
Would you be able to tell us a little about Alison’s treatment journey?
Alison was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis Liver Disease when she was 4 years old. Alison was initially admitted to Kerry University Hospital and then transferred to our Ladies Hospital Crumlin. I have to say initially it was terrifying for us as parents. I remember arriving by ambulance to Crumlin and thinking no this can not be happening to our precious daughter. The team worked so fast in Crumlin and Alison was diagnosed within 24 hours. Her medical team was immediately in place. As parents we lived in a bubble in Crumlin surrounded by amazing parents, medical staff, volunteers etc . It was like having another family. We are extremely grateful to her medical team under the auspices of Dr. Anne Marie Broderick in Crumlin and Dr Aktar Kahn in Kerry University hospital. This has been Alison team since her diagnosis. We have hadalot of hospital since Alison diagnosis. Alisons adult medical care is now under the auspices of Cork University Hospital.
Since her diagnosis Alisons condition has often got progressively worse and her liver would often flair up as it still does to this day. These times can be very hard and make all other things cease with immediate effect. Regular blood tests, hospital visits and amending her daily medication is often on the agenda. Naturally as parents we are continuously worried. We have to be on standby in case Alisons condition deteriorates.
Alison went to primary school in Faha National School, Faha, Co. Kerry and I have to say the principal, teachers and staff in this school were phenomenal to Alison. Faha National School was home away from home. Her primary years gave her a love for school. This was such a nurturing environment. Alison is now in Presentation Secondary School in Milltown, Co. Kerry . Once again she is surrounded by an amazing principal, teachers and staff. Alison has just completed transition year in her school. They have continued to encourage her love for education and for life. Both schools have embraced the fact that Alison will never let her condition prevent her from achieving her life goals.
How did you come across Make a wish Ireland ?
We came across make a wish Ireland online and we are so lucky to have found such a fantastic organisation. I would urge people to support this amazing charity as they really do Make children’s dreams come true.
