S2 EP8 - Abby Lindenberg - A Wish Mom’s Journey from Fear to Gratitude

In this heartfelt episode of World of Wishes, we are joined by Abby Lindenberg, a devoted wish mom whose daughter Layla’s journey is defined by resilience, hope, and a powerful transformation from uncertainty to light. Layla was diagnosed with an ultra‑rare genetic condition called alpha‑mannosidosis, a disorder that affects muscle strength, balance, hearing, cognition, and overall development. For years, Abby and her family navigated what she describes as a diagnostic “odyssey”—visiting more than a dozen specialists, sensing that something wasn’t right, yet struggling without answers. When the diagnosis finally came, it brought fear and anxiety, but also relief in finally having a name—and a path forward. Layla ultimately underwent a bone marrow transplant, a life‑altering and intense treatment that offered her the brightest possible future. Abby shares honestly about the emotional toll of watching a seemingly healthy child endure such an invasive procedure, the faith required to move forward, and the long months spent inpatient during Layla’s recovery. Two years later, the results are extraordinary: Layla is present, joyful, active, and embracing life in ways that once felt uncertain. That’s when Make‑A‑Wish entered their lives. During Layla’s recovery, her daily ritual became dressing up as a princess—finding joy, imagination, and strength even on the hardest days. That simple act revealed her deepest wish: a magical experience at Walt Disney World, where Layla could fully live out her princess dreams. In this episode, Abby recounts what the wish meant—not just for Layla, but for her entire family. From staying at Give Kids The World, to the care and generosity of volunteers, to seeing her daughter fully present and glowing with joy, the wish marked a powerful milestone: a celebration of survival, healing, and gratitude on the other side of darkness. This conversation is a testament to parental advocacy, to living moment by moment through unimaginable challenges, and to the profound impact a wish can have in helping families reclaim joy and light.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!