Make a Wish Canada visits Akumal…. a dream comes true!

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Many of us have dreamed of living in Akumal, but in July one very special dream came true in these turquoise waters and white beaches. A special young girl’s wish of learning and working with the turtles was made possible with the help of Make a Wish Foundation and others.

Jessi is a beautiful 16 year old girl who just happens to have Cystic Fibrosis. She has the energy and sense of adventure of all 16 year olds, but lives with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease, that has no cure. Cystic Fibrosis attacks the lungs, so a snorkeling adventure to see the turtles was thought to be a concern – but not for this girl. With the approval of her doctors and the help of Make a Wish Canada, her dream came true. Make a Wish Canada contacted the Make a Wish chapter in Quintana Roo, who knew exactly who to call to make this wish happen. Centro Ecológico Akumal was asked to help make Jessi’s wish reality.

Jessi and her family live in Northern Alberta in the Honey Capital of Canada.  They made the long journey to Akumal, Place of Turtles, where else?!  Jessi and her family were escorted on a day of snorkeling with the turtles, rays, and myriad fish in beautiful Akumal Bay by CEA lifeguards, administrator Mauricio Aceves, and CEA communications director Amanda Baye. After an exciting day in the water a rest and breathing treatment were next on the schedule at Hotel Akumal Caribe. As day turned to night, the real dream came true… Jessi became an Honorary Tortuguera! Suited with a special printed tortuguera staff T-shirt and official badge she was escorted to the beach to watch for nesting turtles. Within minutes, Jessi was the first to spot a turtle who returned to the sea without nesting, so more walking down the beach. Then all of a sudden, there was another – a large Loggerhead who dug her nest and as Jessi watched, laid her eggs. She helped the official Tortuguera with collecting data and was amazed by what she was seeing. Jessi helped mark the nest and CEA will send her information as the hatchlings appear.

Jessi’s wish to be a Tortuguera and see the turtles came true on the beaches of Akumal thanks to Make a Wish, CEA, CEA staff, Hotel Akumal Caribe and volunteers. The day was as rewarding for all of us as it was for Jessi!