News Summary

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Seven-year-old Alyssa Daniels had three wishes — to go to Disney World, Hannah Montana merchandise and a computer. Her mother, Melissa Daniels, had one — to see her daughter healthy.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, UnitedHealth Group and its employees granted Alyssa two of her wishes— a visit to Minnie and Mickey Mouse in Florida last month and possibly every Hannah Montana-related merchandise available in the area.

And, thanks to the surgeons at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Melissa Daniels got her wish, too.

About a hundred UnitedHealth employees came bearing gifts to a reception on Friday, Oct. 3, to meet Alyssa at the Marriott on Union Centre Boulevard.

"It makes me feel gracious that the company I work for took an interest in a local family — someone who was right here — and made an impact on their life," said UnitedHealth employee Lisa V.J. Taylor.

Diagnosed with a brain tumor Jan. 2, Alyssa underwent surgery Jan. 5. She was in the hospital for three months.

Only able to move around with the use of a wheelchair after the surgery, the Shawnee Elementary first-grader now runs and skips and "is almost like herself. She is in remission, her prognosis is great and she is doing well," her mother said.

"It's amazing how many people reach out to a child," Daniels said. "Thank you Make-A-Wish and UnitedHealth for helping us to forget for a little while."

C

ontact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.