A Caledonia teenager has marked the end of her cancer treatment with a wish meant to last for years. Marlen Espinoza Rugama, 15, received the 9,500th wish granted by Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.
Her celebration took place on Monday, when she arrived at an orthodontist appointment in a limousine. She said the arrival came as a surprise.
Espinoza Rugama chose braces as her wish, saying she wanted something that would stay with her for a long time. She also said she hopes the work on her smile will help her feel more confident.
She described how cancer changed daily life, including having to stop attending school, losing her hair, and dealing with lower energy and effects on her social life.
Forrest Doolen of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin said the wish is meant to help set her up for the decades ahead, and called the 9,500th wish a major moment for the organization. He said the group will keep granting wishes for eligible children facing critical illnesses.
