Mandie's Thailand Wish

Like life, a ride on an elephant is full of big steps and an occasional rock back and forth. Sixteen-year-old Mandie has experienced all of these. Through her ongoing battle with cystic fibrosis, Mandie has conquered many things. She is an adorable, outgoing, athletic girl who loves adventures. Her newest and farthest adventure came with her opportunity to have a wish, a wish to ride elephants in Thailand!

Mandie's Thailand trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. There, Mandie tried, tasted and touched things she had never imagined. Mandie's wish featured elephants: she toured on their backs, rode on an elephant’s head, fed them mini bananas, and even received a surprisingly gentle massage from one of their huge feet! Mandie and her sisters also held a baby tiger, canoed to six different islands, parasailed, and prayed in a Buddhist temple.

Their experience could not have been better. Even the hot and humid air helped. Both Mandie and her younger sister have cystic fibrosis, and could breathe easier there. Mandie's mom thankfully shared that their experience also helped them to gain a higher appreciation for what they have. "We are so grateful. Yes, we have trials, but we have a home. So many people there live under metal propped up by a pole and wash their laundry by hand." Mandie's elephant ride, and her other memories made in Thailand will help carry her through the big steps in her future.