When Daraly Arredondo, a 15-year-old from Arrey, New Mexico, noticed a painful lump on her neck in July 2023, she did not expect it to be the start of a major health battle. After visits to her pediatrician and emergency room in Albuquerque, she was admitted to UNM Children’s Hospital for further tests.
“Not once did they ever say they suspected cancer. It wasn’t until I heard a nurse say I was being checked for leukemia that my heart dropped,” said Arredondo.
She was diagnosed with Stage 2 high-risk Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which had spread to her lymph nodes and chest. Following surgery and an eight-day recovery period, she began chemotherapy. The treatment kept her away from school and friends as she transitioned to homeschooling due to a weakened immune system.
“My mom had to quit her job to take care of me full time,” said Arredondo. “She cooked every meal I wanted, gave me my medication, even gave me injections at home.”
Throughout this period, support from family and friends remained strong. When hospital staff referred Daraly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she requested a college scholarship rather than more typical wishes like trips or shopping sprees.
“I’ve always planned on going to college,” said Arredondo. “A scholarship would be an investment for my future.”
Dara Alter, Program and Alumni Coordinator at Make-A-Wish New Mexico, noted that educational wishes are not common but do occur. “It’s not popular, but it’s not unusual,” said Alter. “I think it’s cool that kids want to further their education.” She explained that after medical referral and national approval, the wish process involves several steps including consent forms and discovery visits.
“Every single wish is unique,” said Alter. “Our mission is to grant life-changing wishes.”
The New Mexico chapter of Make-A-Wish operates with eight staff members and relies heavily on volunteers to grant about 110 wishes each year across the state.
“Make-A-Wish would not exist without our volunteers, their community and their passion,” said Alter. “Communities come together to make beautiful things happen.”
Adela Sena, community and medical outreach coordinator for Make-A-Wish New Mexico, highlighted the ongoing need for awareness about eligibility: “A recent study found New Mexico has about 163 children each year who may qualify for a wish,” said Sena. “We grant around 110 annually. That means there are still many eligible children we haven’t reached.” She added that referrals can be made quickly online or by contacting the chapter directly.
Because the wish process can take several months, Daraly received confirmation of her scholarship after graduating high school. To celebrate the occasion, Make-A-Wish organized an event at Topgolf with decorations in University of New Mexico colors as she prepared for her first semester as a freshman at UNM.
“As a first-generation Mexican college student, I might not have been able to afford living expenses,” she said. “This scholarship is less of a burden on me and my family. It means everything.”
Now studying elementary education at UNM with plans to return home as a teacher after graduation, Daraly reflected on how her experience shaped her outlook: “I believe that good things always come after bad things happen,” she said. “Everything happens for a reason and God has a plan for me.”
She also offered encouragement for others facing similar diagnoses: “I want people who are going through a cancer diagnosis to never give up,” she said. “Have faith in your treatment and in God.”
“We hope one day Make-A-Wish gets to close its doors,” concluded Alter.
More information about donations can be found on the Make-A-Wish New Mexico website.
