The Start of Something New

How does one change the future? Had you asked me that 10 to 12 years ago, I would have said through medicine. Now after obtaining a BS in Pharmacy and going back to get my PharmD (Doctorate), my answer is very different. You change the future by investing in the key players of the future. A lifetime supply of Prozac, Lexapro, and Paxil cannot give the life-changing momentum of someone genuinely supporting you and telling you that you are special. You change the future, you impact the world, through children!

As a mother of two beautiful girls, (I am not the least bit partial), everyday with them reminds me that I am helping to shape who they will become in the future. My oldest, Aryonna, just turned 6 years old. We had a party for her at a local "Bounce" place. We jokingly called the party her "Super Sweet 6". I think I am going to write MTV about a new show idea! After the 2 cakes, (one that was baked around a barbie doll, and sheet cake), pizza, and the fee for bouncing, we spent close to $500. Don't get me wrong, she had a ball and we wouldn't trade the look on her face for anything! However, so many little girls don't ever get a party of any kind. No one ever looks them in their face and says, Happy Birthday or Great Job! Every girl deserves to be a PRINCESS!

In May of 2007, I opened my own party studio called, My Party Palace Triad (http://www.mypartypalacetriad.com/). I know, a pharmacist and a party studio? Yes, just call me the Princess Pharmacist! My Party Palace Triad offers customized Diva, Princess and Spa parties for girls of all ages-moms included. MPP Triad has conducted over 45 parties and events since May and touched the lives of over 300 girls and women. At each party the girls take an oath that affirms how special they are! Something magical happens when girls put on a tiara!

At a recent Princess Party for a very precocious 6 year old, one special little girl really spoke to my heart. Her name is Maggie. Maggie was not the birthday girl. Maggie walked into the studio and with great wonder in her eyes said "This is more than I ever expected". Our studio is just too cute, there are polka dots on the wall people! There is something that makes you feel really good inside when children are in wonder. When you get the gift that they always wanted and they look at you with that look. You know the one! Well Maggie kept that look the entire party!

At Tea Time, she looked over at me and said, "My brother died". I am not a cryer but to have a 5 year old tell you that just breaks your heart. I replied very sincerely, "I am so sorry sweetie". And what she said next totally blew me away. She said "Its ok. He was an adult and adults die." Wow! I really had to blink away the tears. With that statement she went right back to enjoying her cake and cheetos.

Later I heard her mother state that Maggie's birthday was the next Thursday. The other moms asked her "Are you going to have a big party for her". Maggie's Mom sorrowfully said, "No, we are just going to take cupcakes to her classroom". I could tell in her voice that she really wanted to have a Princess party for Maggie just like the one she was attending but she could not afford it. The party ended with great success and everyone went their separate ways.

God would not let me forget Maggie. I emailed Maggie's Mom and told her that Maggie touched me and that she told me her brother died. I explained to her that I would like to go with her to take cupcakes to Maggie's school, bring a special gift from MPP and bring a special guest with me (Tinkerbell or Cinderella). Tinkerbell was at the party that Maggie attended. We decided that it would be Tinkerbell.

Maggie's mom was just blown away that someone would want to do this for Maggie. I kept telling her to God be the glory not me! She explained that the person that Maggie said died was really not her brother but an uncle. His name was Mark. He was 44 years old and a paranoid schizophrenic. Mark had never really been able to interact with anyone but Maggie. Maggie's Aunt Heather and her Nana also died in close proximity to Mark. So you see, to Maggie, adults die. Maggie's mom also confirmed what I already knew. She could not afford to give Maggie a party. She commented that some of the girls at school would not play with Maggie and that Maggie was a loner.

Thursday could not come fast enough! I was so nervous. I wanted Maggie to be sooo surprised. When Tinkerbell and I arrived at the school, the kids went crazy. "Hey Tinkerbell", they all shouted. I walked in the cafeteria with my tiara on and gifts for Maggie. When I got to the table, all of the little girls said "Its Mrs. Katina from the party palace". I looked directly at Maggie and said "Maggie, I remembered that it is your birthday today and I wanted to bring you a gift from the party palace! I also brought a special friend, can I go and get her?"

With eyes as big as saucers, Maggie nodded yes! In walks Tinkerbell! Get out your tissues.
Maggie instantly became the bell of the Ball! Tinkerbell hugged Maggie and we all sang Happy Birthday! The same girls that would not play with Maggie were all over at her table! Do you think Maggie will ever forget how special she felt at that very moment?

So, an idea was born. There are girls like Maggie all over the Piedmont Triad. I am in the process of forming a non-profit organization called A Princess Wish to help deserving girls all over the Piedmont Triad feel like PRINCESSES!

Our Mission:
A Princess Wish brings love, joy, and creativity to young girls ages 3-13 residing in the Piedmont Triad area experiencing medical and/or financial hardships by hosting celebrations customized to each child's magical fantasy.