Arlene is a happy seventeen-year-old from Skokie who likes the color green and the book “Pride and Prejudice.” She likes snacking on ice cream, but her favorite food is sushi. Her favorite restaurant is Hong Kong Buffet and her favorite type of music is Japanese rock/pop. Arlene is very interested in Japanese culture, including the language, origami, and anime.
In July of 2004 Arlene was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a disease where the immune system attacks the body’s cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. Joint pain, fever and fatigue are some common symptoms.
Due to her love of Asian food and culture, Arlene had always dreamed of going to Tokyo, Japan. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Arlene, her parents, and her four siblings were whisked away to Tokyo in June of 2007 for eight days. The trip gave Arlene the opportunity to explore all of the different cultural aspects of Tokyo, ranging from theaters and shrines to shopping centers! Because she likes to travel, the trip made her very happy to be alive. Also, according to her father, the wish experience gave Arlene a more positive in her mind and spirit.
“Every child in her position should have a wish granted,” Arlene’s father said regarding the reason he wanted his daughter to have her wish granted.
