Chicago Proud: 12-year-old cancer survivor Valentina Robles granted wish to meet unicorn by Make-A-Wish Illinois in Elgin
Share this @internewscast.com

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) — A 12-year old cancer survivor from the Chicago area got the wish of a lifetime on Friday.

Valentina Robles got to live her dream as she got to pet and even ride a unicorn in Elgin.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“I’m pretty happy,” Robles said.

The grade-schooler has been fascinated with the mystical animal for as long as she can remember.

“I just think they are majestical creatures,” Robles said. “I think I like how I imagined it.”

The transformative experience was made possible thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and its generous supporters. This came about after the medical team from Lurie Children’s Hospital introduced Robles to the organization.

Just keep going forward, yeah.

Valentina Robles, cancer survivor

The celebration has been months in the making. It had to be canceled twice before because Robles was so sick.

“It provides them with something to anticipate,” said Jessica Miller from Make-A-Wish. “This gives them strength as they see the supportive people around them, aiding them in looking forward to the future.”

On any typical day, Friday’s unicorn is actually an 18-year-old pony named Gracie. She is a beloved figure at Perfecta Farm, which has hosted numerous similar celebrations over the years.

The farm’s owner, Kim Gardiner, is a recent cancer survivor herself.

She’s over the years dressed up as different things for our Halloween horse shows and so since she’s so patient and she’s white, we picked her to be our unicorn,” Gardiner said.

Robles was first diagnosed in May of 2022, when she as just 9 years old, with B cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. It’s a rare, aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Valentina has many ups and downs, mostly downs,” said Margareth Robles, Valentina’s sister. “I mean, she lost her walk, but now she’s able to walk again which is nice, but it’s hard for all of us.”

Valentina’s family says she’s been in remission for 6 months and prays her cancer is gone for good. In the meantime, the girl who one day hopes to be a veterinarian, soaked in all of the excitement and offered some advice to other kids battling an illness.

“Just keep going forward, yeah,” Robles said.

She now becomes a proud member of the Make-A-Wish alumni club, which means she’ll get all the love and support as she continues her health journey.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Heartbroken family of late soccer player Diogo Jota arrives at funeral in Portugal

Grieving Family of Deceased Soccer Star Diogo Jota Attends His Funeral in Portugal

Liverpool’s squad gathered in the quaint Portuguese town of Gondomar on Saturday…
Is a hot dog a sandwich? The Hot Dog Council has a very strong opinion

The Great Debate: Is a Hot Dog Considered a Sandwich? Insights from the Hot Dog Council

(SavorNation) – America has two great pastimes: enjoying hot dogs and getting…
Kerrville, Texas flooding: Camp girls missing after Guadalupe River flood waters hit Camp Mystic; at least 27 dead

Tragic Flood in Kerrville, Texas: Girls Missing from Camp Mystic After Guadalupe River Overflow; Death Toll Rises to 27

In KERRVILLE, Texas, search efforts continued Saturday as rescuers worked to locate…
Justin Verlander's brutal losing streak continues with loss

Justin Verlander Suffers Another Defeat as Losing Streak Grows

Justin Verlander didn’t try to hide from the results. The latest loss,…
Brooks Nader's period stain steals the spotlight during wardrobe mishap at Wimbledon

Brooks Nader’s Wardrobe Blunder at Wimbledon: Period Stain Catches Attention

Brooks Nader poked fun at herself after unexpectedly getting her period during…
Indianapolis mass shooting leaves 2 dead, several others wounded

Two Killed and Several Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting

Two people were killed in a shooting that injured at least seven…
Chicago NASCAR race today: NASCAR Xfinity Series race The Loop 110 to take off in Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series happening Sunday

Chicago NASCAR Race Update: Xfinity Series ‘The Loop 110’ Hits Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series Scheduled for Sunday

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third NASCAR Street Race will get underway on…
Tango lover sues after NYC woman claimed he spiked her drink

Tango Enthusiast Files Lawsuit After Drink-Spiking Allegation in NYC

It takes two to tango but apparently just one after-party to ruin…
Julian McMahon dies after cancer battle

Julian McMahon Passes Away Following Cancer Struggle

McMahon gained fame for his role as the plastic surgeon Dr. Christian…
Chelsea benefits from Palmeiras own goal to reach FIFA Club World Cup semifinals

Chelsea Advances to FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals Following Palmeiras Own Goal

PHILADELPHIA — Chelsea clinched their place in the Club World Cup semifinals…
'The Office' actor Craig Robinson reveals he's quitting comedy to 'focus on my true calling'

‘The Office’ Star Craig Robinson Announces Shift Away from Comedy to Pursue ‘My True Passion’

Is this a joke? Comedian Craig Robinson, best known for his role…
A man in a military uniform stands with a flag.

I’m the Leader of a Tiny Desert Empire in America: We’ve Declared War on Germany and Host Celebrity Guests

IN the sun-scorched high desert of Northern Nevada lies a tiny self-declared…