Nuala’s Rockettes Wish Becomes Reality
On Friday, June 24, the ultimate wish for one five-year-old came true.
Nuala, from Make-A-Wish New Jersey and Make-A-Wish Metro New York, has dreamed of dancing with the Radio City Rockettes for most of her young life. After a leukemia diagnosis in 2020, dance became a special source of inspiration and a vital creative outlet for Nuala.
It is no surprise, therefore, that her wish was to meet and dance with her idols – the Radio City Rockettes.
On Nuala’s wish day, Radio City Rockettes Danelle Morgan and Katelyn Gaffney held nothing back to ensure Nuala would never forget the day her wish was fulfilled. Prior to Nuala visiting Radio City Music Hall, Danelle sent a video message to Nuala explaining that her wish had been granted and expressing how excited she and Katelyn were to meet her. Nuala’s reaction was priceless: she re-watched the video multiple times while squealing in delight, and ran straight into Danelle’s arms the moment she walked into Radio City’s Large Rehearsal Hall on the big day.
Even with a heartwarming introduction, the day only became more magical as time went on. Nuala received a bedazzled pair of dance shoes, a personalized gift basket (including plenty of items in her favorite color, pink), and of course, a special dance lesson with Danelle and Katelyn. The trio then chatted while chowing down on cupcakes whose icing spelled out “Happy Wish Day,” and Nuala had plenty of questions about the life of a Rockette – including whether or not they personally knew Santa.
Before leaving, Nuala and her family received a special invitation to return to Radio City as guests at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes! To cap off their day, the family then headed to lunch at Serendipity, where Nuala especially enjoyed the Rockettes Frozen Hot Chocolate. As an aspiring dancer, Nuala will remember the Rockettes choreography forever, and of course, her wish day will be a memory to last a lifetime.
Check out the video recap for a look inside the magic of this day!