In 2011, Shalyn had her wish to meet Disney Channel star and singing sensation Selena Gomez granted by national children’s charity Kids Wish Network.

Back in 2009, it was discovered that young Shalyn had Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and remained there for several months, receiving high doses of chemotherapy to battle the cancer. In December of that year, Shalyn suffered through a bone marrow transplant with her older sister, Lauren, who was her bone marrow donor.

Because of her extended stay in the hospital, Shalyn missed second grade, but she was able to sit in on classes via the internet. She also had to have two ports surgically inserted for her chemotherapy treatments and, because of those treatments, her immune system has been compromised. She follows a strict daily medication regimen and must visit the doctor once a month.

 When Shalyn’s mother Sandra found out about Kids Wish Network, a charity dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, she thought Shalyn might be able to have her wish granted. Soon, Shalyn was approved to have a wish granted; she told her special Kids Wish Network wish coordinator that she wanted to meet her favorite actress and singer, Selena Gomez.

 Shalyn and her family were flown to Florida to attend Selena Gomez’s concert and, before the concert, Shalyn met up with Selena backstage. The two posed for pictures and Shalyn was overwhelmed with glee.

 “It’s pretty amazing to meet someone you always only see on TV and hear singing,” said Shalyn. “It was fun!”

 After meeting her idol, Shalyn and her family attended Selena’s concert and had a wonderful time.

 In addition to the meet-and-greet and the concert, Shalyn and her family got to spend a few days just enjoying a nice Florida vacation with accommodations at the Hilton Clearwater Beach, swimming every day, a trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a nature cruise and dinners every evening.

 According to Shalyn’s mother, Sandra, “We all felt very lucky. It was awesome. Thank you!” 

For more information on Kids Wish Network please visit our official website, kidswishnetwork.org.

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