Stratford Girl, 10, To Visit Pope Francis Thanks To Make-A-Wish

STRATFORD, CT — A 10-year-old Stratford girl will see her dream of meeting Pope Francis come true later this month thanks to the owner of St. Clements Castle and Make-A-Wish Connecticut. Diagnosed with a seizure disorder, Brianna Zhanay and her family have spent much of her life at the hospital or stuck at home, according to a press release from Make-A-Wish Connecticut.

“Though unable to talk, Brianna’s smiles and laughter make it clear that one of her favorite parts of the day is watching cartoons featuring Pope Francis,” Make-A-Wish Connecticut wrote in the release. “Her wish to meet the Pope himself will be granted this May, as the family travels to Italy for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Brianna’s wish has not only changed her life and that of her family’s, but has inspired others to get involved. After hearing about her unique wish, the owner of St. Clements Castle, Edward C. Doherty, made a generous donation to help wishes like Brianna’s come true. To celebrate, the Castle held a special wish delivery party to send off Brianna and her parents on their journey.”

Make-A-Wish Connecticut is a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. A wish-come-true is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey, helping kids builds the physical and emotional strength needed to face their conditions. Thanks to the incredible generosity of in-kind partners like St. Clements Castle, Make-A-Wish Connecticut was able to grant Brianna’s wish to meet Pope Francis.

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