Make-A-Wish grants wish for Fairview teenager Dani Miner
By Daniela Vazquez
Education coordinator
8-18-2016
FAIRVIEW—The story of the life-threatening illness and suffering of a Fairview teen sparked attention of people throughout the community and ultimately reached the ears of Utah Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Dani Miner, who turned 15 last month, began her battle with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis just over a year ago.
When the Make-A-Wish Foundation learned about her plight and about the family’s soaring medical bills, representatives jumped at the opportunity to make one of her wishes a reality.
Miner’s wish was to have a dedicated, private space to be alone and involve herself in one of her passions, reading.
The result was a small sanctuary built by Make-A-Wish contractor Colby Earl. The foundation named it “Dani’s Sanctuary.”
The tiny house is decorated in her favorite color—purple—complete with a shaded porch swing, shelves stacked with books, a loft furnished with the comfort of pillows, blankets and beanbag chairs, and even a lock on the door.
Earl transported Dani’s Sanctuary from Idaho and set it up on a cement pad, all without her knowledge.
“I’m so excited it! I love it!, she said when she saw it.”
Tom Hagerman, a Make-A-Wish representative, presented Miner with the keys on Monday, Aug. 8, and gave her purple scissors to cut the purple ribbon.
Friends and family who witnessed the event said the look in her eyes and genuine smile lit up the crowd.
When she first stepped foot into her new sanctuary, she noticed the “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter, which she said is her favorite book series.
“It’s nice to finally have my own space,” Dani said. “It’s hard to do with three siblings.”
News of her diagnosis inspired support throughout the community.
The Miss Fairview Royalty, Fairview Elementary staff, neighbors, friends and family contributed to fundraising events.
Five- and 6-year-old children have donated proceeds from their summertime lemonade stand sales, and grandparents Kent and Nancy Miner have even given the family a new car for the countless trips to the Wasatch Front for medical care.
The Miner family said they wished to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation for giving their daughter a happy and safe place to enjoy books and to have friends and family over for visits. They said they also thank the many people who have contributed to Dani’s well-being.
