Who ever said that the genie can only give you three wishes?

Before even stepping foot into the wonderful west-coast, I had so many mini wishes take place in Pittsburgh. Being that I have never escaped the freezing tundra of western Pennsylvania, I had no idea what to expect! Thanks to a very good friend of mine, who knows everybody who is anybody in Pittsburgh, I was able to meet some incredible individuals in the fashion world! They were each so willing to hear my story and become a part of it.

Sabika jewelry is a family owned company by Karin and Conrad Mayr; along with their children, Alexandra and Kerstin. Their business, located in Robinson township, features handmade pieces from Austria and Germany. Each design is unique in its own because of the different stones and metals. When wearing these exquisite treasures, I feel like attending a dazzling, roof-top dinner while sipping on Perrier and snacking on the finest fromage. 

This family affair is a production from women, for women. They really focus on each glamorous gal who chooses to embody the elegance of Sabika. In my case, I was more than spoiled with this luxury. When they heard that I was attending LA fashion week, they generously offered to give me jewelery so I could be red-carpet ready! I was enchanted to meet this fashionable family, learn the Sabika story, and enjoy a spree at Anthropologie! 

So that would have been enough, right? When you give control to the man upstairs, things evolve immensely. The second meeting I had was with Kiya Tomlin and Sandra (Sandra Cadavid). I was invited to Kiya's studio and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon filled with snacks, sparkling water, and style. I am so thankful to have met these charming ladies! Kiya gifted me with a dress to wear while I am in LA and Sandra accessorized me with delicate designs! Their pieces made me feel as if I could fit in with the lala land luxury.

  

Last, but not least, I had the opportunity to go to Emy Mack's studio in Pittsburgh. She is a local shoe designer that uses all Italian leather. Her heart-stopping heels, fabulous flats, luxurious loafers, and beautiful boots will make you swoon. Her collections are elegant and trendy; Emy truly has a great sole. She generously gave me a beautiful pair of gun-metal flats that will match any outfit! 

I give each of these lovely ladies my utmost graditude. It is a privledge to know them and an honor to wear their designs! Look out; I'm bringing Pittaburgh to LA!!!

A foundation near and dear to my heart

After my diagnosis, when I was referred to be a wish kid, I felt this overwhelming need to give back. Coming from the Wish-kid perspective, it can be quite difficult to be in the spotlight for such a dark reason. Although I, and many other sick children, strive for the sense of normality, there is an undeniable need for some faith to fall back on. That is exactly what Make-a-Wish resembles. This foundation is a symbol of hope for a better tomorrow and a reminder of what the child is fighting for. This organization does no cease to amaze me as it develops unique wishes for children with life threatening circumstances. I knew that if I had the chance to fund for Make-a-Wish, I would take full advantage of the opportunity.

Pretty soon, everything began to fall into place. I teamed up with Froggy Radio station to host a benefit concert, featuring Gary Allan, Jon Pardi, and Kelliegh Bannen. Their support with my project and my story, overwhelmed me immensely. I had the chance to do a radio interview with Jeremy, aka Danger, about the event and why the proceeds were going to Make-a-Wish. It was incredible. After growing up listening to his voice on the radio, I was in his studio, while he interviewed ME. They did a wonderful job with getting the word out about the cause!

Jeremy, aka Danger, and I at the Froggy studio!

Tuesday, February 11th; the actual event day. The concert took place at Latitude 40 with a first come, first serve admission and a $10.00 donation to receive a ticket. In addition to the admission fee, Froggy had some other things up their sleeves. Gary Allan agreed to donate ALL of the proceeds to Make-a-Wish! That's not it! Before the doors even opened, we raised $2,500 by auctioning off two pairs of meet-and-greet and VIP passes! I was amazed. My goal of granting a wish was about to come true.

All together, the show was incredible. Gary Allan, Jon Pardi, and Kelliegh Bannen all joined the stage at one time to play a sort of "front porch acoustic" vibe. The audience was packed with fans who knew all the words, supporters of Make-a-Wish, and my lovely family members/friends. I had the privilege to meet each of the artists and thank them for their help with my fundraiser. In total, we raised a whopping amount of over $9,200!!! I aimed to raise enough for one wish, but the fact that I was able to raise enough for two wishes, surpassed any wish of mine! Thank you so much to every one who made this possible!

The waiting line before the show started!

My dear friends from radiation: Kieran, my little warrior, Abby, Kaden, and Mailee.

My two favorite men: my boyfriend and father.

The lovely Kelliegh Bannen. She was truly a charm and took time to hear my story.

I had the privilege of meeting the amazing, Gary Allan.

This man is so inspirational; I couldn't have done this without him.

Meeting Gary Allan with my daddio!

The handsome, talented Jon Pardi.

Mr. Dreamy, himself.

Some of my beautiful supporters: My teachers, sister, and Danger.

My beautiful aunts and cousin (plus my dad photo bombing).

 

Remy, my Make-a-Wish volunteer. I would be nothing without her!

Without even having my Make-A-Wish trip yet, I contributed to two additional wishes. All of the individuals that were involved with this process were so willing and cooperative. I can't wait to see what is in store for my Make-a-Wish trip, to LA Fashion Week!

My story thus far...

Hello! I think it is only cordial to introduce myself. My name is Francesca. I am an impassioned writer, fashion enthusiast, and proud Make-a-Wish kid/granter. Most of my time is spent swooning over the latest, designer trends, shopping at my local thrift store, or supporting an awful online-shopping habit. I also enjoy cats, coffee, and car rides, among a lot of other irrelevant things. I would say that my style is vintage-inspired elegance with a dash of boho chic. Many of my fashion icons include: Taylor Swift, Vanessa Hudgens, Zoey Dechanel, Demi Lovato etc etc. 

So, now that we have met, and we're practically friends at this point, I'll tell you my story thus far. I'm your not-so-average young gal; I do not fit the typical, teenage demographic. Coming from someone who always prepares for the worst, I could never anticipate what my journey would become. 

Late April, 2013, I became incredibly ill. I had horrifying headaches, my balance was non-existent, I couldn't see straight, and I couldn't hold anything down. After a month of battling this sickness, going back and forth from the emergency room without a resolution, I finally got diagnosed. Early May, 2013, I received a call... They saw something on my brain. After participating in, what seemed like, endless tests, they determined that I had an inoperable brain tumor wrapped around my brain stem. My oncologist and radiologists were unable to tell if it was cancerous or not because it was too risky to remove or even do a biopsy. One wrong move could possibly sever my life. They decided that the best way to treat me would be six weeks of radiation with the maximum amount of treatment.

So what do you do when you get that kind of news? I found it to be incredibly hard to accept. My life, as I knew it, would never be the same. While other young adults my age spent their summers partying, staying up late, and intoxicating their body with unlawful substances, I spent every morning traveling to Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital. While many people who go to the hospital everyday dress in their pajamas, that was not the case with me. Every day, I wore a different outfit to my treatment. The saying is true "if you look good, you feel good." Fashion became the one thing that made me happy to get up and keep on keep in' on.

Last day of radiation; Although it was a blessing to be finished with my treatment, I missed seeing all of my friends that I have met along the way.

For a long while, I was quite bitter. I constantly wondered what I did to deserve this kind if pain and hardship. Then, as I began to gain relationships with kids at Children's Hospital, I realized why I was there; it had to happen in order for me to grow to be the individual that I am. To me, I felt like the other children that I met, were the only people who didn't see me as "sick". Radiation oncology became my new familiar place. Much like in school, when you recognize faces as you walk about the hallway, you say hello and add a wave or a smile. But it was different here. I knew more than the kid's names; I knew their stories as well. Little did they know, their stories became a tremendous part of mine. I stopped asking God, "why?" Instead, I started to treat everyday as a new opportunity and devote myself to make a difference. 

So, this is my journey journal: when the ill fated times make the fortunate ones that much sweeter, where everyday is a struggle, but tomorrow is a blessing, and when hope can be found in a little something called fashion.

Much love and thanks, 

Francesca