Alonna Beard is battling an autoimmune disorder called sarcoidosis, and doctors aren’t sure what the future holds for her. But today, the 7-year-old from Milford got to forget all that – she was given a royal treatment like the Disney princesses she’s about to go visit.
It was a parade fit for a queen at Milford’s Connecticut Post Mall on Friday afternoon. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, Alonna was pampered at Sundae Spa before climbing into a horse-drawn carriage with her sister, Skyler, and waving goodbye to all her fans as she heads to Disney World.
“I feel excited and happy,” Alonna said.
It’s a welcome distraction from the uphill battle Alonna faces with her health. Her diagnoses didn’t come until last year, although Alonna has been sick on and off for most of her life.
“The prognosis is different for everyone,” said her mother, Barnetta Haywood. “Some people can have [sarcoidosis] and it can go away and never come back. Some people have it and it never goes away.”
But today, the family thought only about their little princess and the exciting adventures that await.
After the parade, Sundae Spa offered free pink hair extensions to parade-goers and community members who helped make Alonna’s dream come true.
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And that it did – Alonna was thrilled by her magic coach, shaped like a pumpkin in true Cinderella style.
The only thing missing? A pair of glass slippers.
