Seven-year-old Cana is brave, bright, and full of heart. She has been battling relapsed ependymoma, a rare and serious brain tumor, with more strength than most adults could imagine. After everything she’s been through, Cana deserved a break from treatment, hospitals, and hard days.

Cana was nominated by Sarah Brady, MSW, LSW, a Neuro-Oncology Social Worker based at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Sarah recognized how much Cana and her family had endured, and believed they deserved something joyful—something magical.

Even before they took off from Philadelphia, Cana’s journey was already off to a magical start. During her flight, the pilot made a special announcement just for her, recognizing her bravery and the unforgettable adventure that was about to begin. Cana smiled from ear to ear, and her family teared up hearing her name announced over the intercom.

Cana traveled with her mom, dad, two brothers, and sister, making this trip a true family celebration. After landing, their bags were whisked away to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, while the family headed straight to Blizzard Beach—wasting no time diving into fun.

Their favorite meal was Cinderella’s Royal Table. Snagging a 9 p.m. reservation while the fireworks were going off outside was magical. In addition, they also went to Woody’s Rodeo Roundup and Ohana’s, where Cana met her favorite character, Stitch!

Cana loved the rides—from thrilling adventures like Guardians of the Galaxy, Mount Everest, Dinosaur, and Pirates of the Caribbean, to magical journeys on Frozen Ever After, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. She braved every turn, laughed through every splash, and soaked in every magical moment.

Cana’s trip wasn’t just about theme parks. It was about pressing pause on the difficult days and letting a little girl just be a kid. For a child facing relapsed brain cancer, a trip like this brings more than happiness—it brings hope, connection, and joy.

Thanks to the care and compassion of Sarah Brady and the support of our generous community, Pretzel Wishes was able to give Cana and her family something truly special: time together, smiles without worry, and memories that will last forever.

This is what Pretzel Wishes is all about.