Long Island girl trades chemo for rollercoasters
Adventureland’s and the Marty Lyons Foundation made her wish come true.
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One Long Island girl got a little relief from the ups and downs of medical treatments by spending the day with the ups and downs of roller coasters.
Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation and the Marty Lyon’s Foundation coordinated a special visit for a special patient.
It’s 9-year-old Valentina Umana-Alvarez’s dream to have a whole theme park to herself, and it beats getting chemo.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” Valentina said. “Without you guys, I wouldn’t have been here, and I would have been stuck in the hospital.”
Valentina was diagnosed with leukemia at just 3 years old. Then in 2022 she was finally cancer free and even got to ring the bell. But last year, the cancer came back.
“I’ve lost count how many times we've been admitted in the hospital,” said Jennifer Alvarez, Valentina’s mom. “It's just magical for her to be here… She is a big, big fighter.”
Valentina continues to encourage others despite everything she’s going through.
“Here's a message to the people that who don't see love,” Valentina said. “You’re always loved no matter what. Even though you just don't feel it.”
As part of their ‘Well Wishes Campaign,’ Valentina was one of three wish kids to receive more than 5,400 notes. Each note equaled a dollar donation from Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation and helped support Valentina’s wish.
