S2 EP4 - Tara Diaz - Christina’s Warrior Journey and Wrestlemania Wish

In this episode of World of Wishes, we are joined by Tara Diaz, a devoted wish mom whose daughter Christina—a true warrior—experienced the wish of a lifetime: attending one of the biggest events in sports entertainment - Wrestlemania. From the very beginning of her life, Christina faced medical challenges that no child should have to endure. As an infant and young child, she experienced repeated hospitalizations before being diagnosed with genetic pancreatitis at just four years old. What followed were years of painful flare ups, extended hospital stays, emergency admissions, and relentless uncertainty. Over time, Christina’s condition worsened, ultimately leading doctors to recommend a rare, high risk surgery: a total pancreatectomy with auto islet cell transplantation—a life altering procedure performed on only a small number of pediatric patients nationwide. Tara shares in vivid detail the emotional weight of that decision, the long hours spent waiting during surgery, and the haunting moment of seeing her daughter in the ICU surrounded by machines and IV lines. But she also shares the relief that followed—knowing Christina would no longer live under the constant threat of another pancreatitis attack. Six months after surgery, Make A Wish entered their lives, opening the door to joy at a time when healing was still ongoing. Christina’s wish was clear from the start: WrestleMania. What unfolded was far more than a single night—it was a full week of magic in Philadelphia filled with VIP experiences, behind the scenes access, and unforgettable interactions with WWE superstars. From riding in limousines and meeting legends to walking alongside wrestlers during entrances and being celebrated on the world’s biggest stage, Christina was given the chance to do what she had rarely been able to do before: be a kid, fully and freely. This episode is about resilience, recovery, and the extraordinary ripple effect of a wish. Tara reflects on how the experience continues to shape Christina’s confidence, passions, and sense of purpose—and why she calls it “the wish that doesn’t stop giving.” Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!Subscribe, Rate, & Review this podcast to support future episodes that will feature wish kids and parents' past and present, volunteers, donors, referral sources and everyone who contributes to this World of Wishes!