Holy Trinity kindergartener receives Make-A-Wish sendoff party with classmates

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WXXV) — It’s The Most Magical Place on Earth, and pretty soon, one deserving five-year-old will get to experience it for the first time thanks to Make-A-Wish of South Mississippi.

Hannah Hurley is a kindergartener at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Bay St. Louis who is gearing up for an exciting trip to Walt Disney World.

“When she was in the hospital, we watched a lot of Disney movies and Disney shows, and she became obsessed with the princesses and loves Mickey Mouse,” Hannah’s mother, Rachel Hurley, explained. “When she was asked what she wanted to do, it was always some variety of going to Disney.”

The little girl has also endured more in the first few years of her childhood than most people face in an entire lifetime.

“She’s had two open heart surgeries and then a lot of minor surgeries mixed in, a lot of hospital stays,” Rachel explained. “She’s on the mend and she’ll have a few more open heart surgeries most likely and just, you know, routine medical checkups.”

That certainly hasn’t dampened Hannah’s spirits, and she’s living her kindergarten life to the fullest. On Wednesday, Make-A-Wish helped Hannah, her family and her classmates celebrate the upcoming Disney Trip with a send-off party at the school — complete with chocolate cupcakes, balloons and a bouncy house.

“She loves her school, and she wanted a bouncy house… that was her second wish,” Rachel said, laughing.

“I want to go play on the bouncy house,” Hannah added shyly as her mother held her.

It was an exciting day that Hannah won’t forget ahead of the trip of a lifetime.

“We’re very thankful that she’s healthy and able to go to Disney, and we’re just very excited for her,” Rachel said.