Feel Good Story: TIS Student Celebrates Send-Off with Classmates After Being Granted Wish Through Make-A-Wish Foundation

November 22, 2024
TIS Student Celebrates Send-Off with Classmates After Being Granted Wish Through Make-A-Wish Foundation

In the face of extraordinary challenges, Sabreen, a current fifth grader at Tomball Intermediate School, has continued to show resilience and determination beyond her years.

Battling a rare and life-altering disease, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who know her. 

Sabreen was just four years old when her life forever changed. What began as a presumed virus turned into a diagnosed rare disease called Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in May 2018.

Attending preschool at Decker Prairie Elementary at the time, Sabreen faced adversity while in and out of hospitals. Despite time missed from school, she made friends and had amazing teachers who supported her through this journey. 

Through continuous trials and tribulations, Sabreen underwent continuous testing related to her growth and her liver. By the end of her kindergarten year, the family made the trip to Cincinnati Children’s, the No. 1 center with top researchers who focus on rare diseases. 

“They gave us hope and strength to continue to fight for her life,” Sabreen’s mother said.

Sabreen’s mother was also a fighter through this journey and began strongly advocating for new treatment for her daughter. She worked with her Rheumatologist and Oncologist to go after the impossible - an infusion with a lofty price tag that would be required twice a week.

While waiting for approval on the new infusion, reaction to the current infusion led to another hospitalization for Sabreen. Fortunately, the new infusion was approved and then COVID happened.

Understandably, Sabreen had to be isolated during COVID and was homebound for second grade. By third grade, Sabreen felt better and was able to return to Decker Prairie Elementary to be with friends and enjoy school as a motivated third grader.

Throughout her third grade year, Sabreen continued to battle incidents that required hospitalization, but always had the desire to return to school.

“Even through it all Sabreen was always happily anxious to return to school, and has been blessed with the love of her peers and teachers,” Sabreen’s mom said. 

Sabreen was a model student, who was hardworking and was able to finish at Decker Prairie Elementary and continue on to Tomball Intermediate now as a fifth grader.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Sabreen and witnessing her educational journey for the past three years,” said DPES Principal Tammy Sebesta. “Despite being homebound for the early part of her educational path at DPES, Sabreen is a fighter and attended school even when she wasn’t feeling her best. She shared with her teachers that she just wanted to be treated as a normal student and not differently due to her illness. She continued to achieve at a high level even with the health challenges she endured. We were blessed to have her at DPES and are so proud of her continued success. We love you Sabreen!”

Now, at Tomball Intermediate, Sabreen continues to work hard and persevere. Despite the challenges she continues to face, her journey has been strengthened by the support of her teachers who care deeply about her success and well-being. 

“The teachers and staff here at TIS have gone above and beyond to help Sabreen feel loved and successful even amidst her daily struggles,” said TIS Principal Dr. Kelly Marchiando. “Whether work is made available in Schoology or a supportive phone call home is made to keep her spirits up, our hope is that Sabreen knows how much she is loved and that her TIS family is here for her, to help her through any obstacle that may come her way.”

One of Sabreen’s teachers, Mrs. Wenzl, an RLA teacher who taught Sabreen in elementary school, now teaches her at the intermediate level, has been a supporter of Sabreen’s since her journey began.

“The teachers at TIS maintain constant communication with Sabreen's mom and provide a strong home-to-school connection that has been crucial in helping Sabreen stay on track academically,” said Dr. Marchiando. 

Sabreen’s incredible story impacted so many that Make-A-Wish began to be a topic of conversation during a critical time back in 2021. Her team wanted her family to have a moment of happiness and joy. It was not until 2022 that her Rheumatologist signed off and sent paperwork in for a Wish approval. The family was contacted two weeks later about her case and were told she qualified for a Wish.

A Wish granter met with the family and spoke with Sabreen privately about her wishes. She was able to provide three wishes of her choice - a trip to Disney World, a customized Hello Kitty Golf Cart, or an RV to travel.

Her unwavering spirit and courage have touched the hearts of many, culminating in a moment of pure joy as her heartfelt wish was granted a few weeks later by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Sabreen is currently on medicated remission and even after 6.5 years of living with an incurable rare disease at the age of 10, she is getting her wish granted - celebrating her 11th birthday in the most Magical Place of Earth - Disney World, this Thanksgiving holiday.

“After witnessing all her suffering at her young age, I knew she deserved such a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” Sabreen’s mom said. “Not just her but her two siblings will be joining as they have sacrificed part of their freedom while seeing their youngest sister go through so much.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted thousands of life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses since 1981. Wishes give families hope through dark times, strength to perseverance and experiences that forever change their lives.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, Sabreen was joined by her school, Tomball Intermediate, for a celebratory send-off as she departed for her amazing trip, granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

“Sabreen is a TIS Cougar,” said Dr. Marchiando. “She is family, and at TIS we believe in taking care of each other, celebrating successes and being there to support one another through the hard times. Sabreen has a core group of friends with whom she has established a bond since elementary school, and Sabreen is a fighter. She is a student who loves school and wants to be here at TIS with her friends and teachers. Even on days when Sabreen has struggled, she shows up, and she leans into her TIS family to support her through the hard times.”

The sense of community and support extends beyond TIS. In fact, a teacher from another school in the District, upon hearing Sabreen's story, had their students write notes of encouragement. These heartfelt messages were sent through the District office to Mrs. Wenzl, further uplifting Sabreen's spirits.

This comprehensive support system has allowed Sabreen to not only remain academically successful but also to build and maintain relationships, fostering a strong sense of community at TIS.

Sabreen’s remarkable journey is a true testament to her perseverance and the power of kindness and community support she has received as a student in Tomball ISD.