Make-A-Wish Foundation Granted the NYE of a Lifetime for a South Dakota Teen

Times Square on New Years Eve

A 16-year-old from Mitchell, South Dakota celebrated her final round of chemotherapy in the best way possible, all thanks to the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Sioux Falls.

Alexis Mentzel was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a blood cancer which originates in the lymphatic system, when she was just 15 years old. Now, one year later, she is cancer free and celebrating both this and the end of the year with her family and friends in New York City at the Times Square Ball drop.

When she explained her choice, Mentzel’s kind-heartedness was obvious. “I considered Disney, because I have so many siblings, but in the end my mom convinced me to do what I wanted, because this was my trip.” Mentzel considered the ball drop as a bucket list item, which she is grateful to have experienced she said. A second highlight of her five day trip was seeing the Broadway musical “Wicked”.

What made her Make-A-Wish even sweeter was winning a $200 Macy’s Shopping Spree to ensure she had a new wardrobe for the trip. Mentzel chose a black coat with gold buttons, because she needed something warm for New York.

Looking back at her cancer journey, Mentzel said she feels nothing but pure joy and gratitude for her family and friends who supported her, as well as thankfulness that through the hard times she was able to grow in her faith and relationship with God.

Mentzel added, she is extremely appreciative of the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and will undoubtedly be donating to them in the future. Make-A-Wish is funded through donations and the families do not have to spend a penny on the trips. After going through something as tough as cancer, the work of Make-A-Wish is priceless to many.

Mentzel said she hopes to go back to New York City one day, but for now she is happy with her unforgettable memories of her wish come true.