5:56 p.m.

That’s a wrap! Victoria’s day in the recording studio may be over, but her wish experience continues. Her CD release party is scheduled for next month. Victoria is excited about the party but would rather that the details remain a secret. Victoria said, “I was just so surprised by today and I know that the party is going to be really exciting. So I don’t want to know anything about it. I’d rather be surprised!”
Victoria

“On a day like today, I can’t help but share a moment of reflection. In 1983, the Southern Florida chapter granted its first wish with Todd’s wish to have a computer. Twenty-five years later, Victoria’s wish is the chapter’s 7,000th wish. Each wish is a unique experience for a child and their family but whatever the wish, it has the power to make a life-changing impact on their lives. Sometimes I ask myself how I am so fortunate to meet such courageous children like Victoria.”
Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida

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5:18 p.m.

While taking a break from recording, Victoria answered these last few questions. 

Heather of Pembroke Pines asked: Who are your musical influences?
Victoria’s answer: Miley Cyrus. When I hear her sing, it makes me want to write my own songs and sing like her someday.

Ali of Miami asked: What kind of music do you like to listen to the most?
Victoria’s answer: I love to listen to music by Disney Channel stars like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, and Demi Lovato. My new favorite singer is Ana Cristina.

Jackie of Deerfield Beach asked: What’s your favorite Miley Cyrus song?
Victoria’s answer: “The Climb” because the words are how I feel sometimes. I also like how the music goes high and low.

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4:35 p.m.

Victoria is overwhelmed by all your questions. Here are her answers to just a few more.

Yessenia of Hialeah asked: When and why did you start singing?
Victoria’s answer: I think I have been singing since I was a baby. I sing because it makes me feel free and I can express myself.

Samantha of Fort Myers asked: What do you think about all the media attention?
Victoria’s answer: It makes me feel like a star. It’s great that everyone could take the time out to be here.
Randy of Boca Raton asked: What will your CD cover look like?
Victoria’s answer: It will have a glamorous picture of me and hopefully lots of pink. I think I’m going to call it “Victoria’s Dream.”

Larry of West Palm Beach asked: What’s it like to be in a real recording studio?
Victoria’s answer: It’s awesome. I didn’t know that my day would be this amazing!

“Every day I am honored to be involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but even more so today. I am very pleased to be here to experience the joy of Victoria’s day. I find it unbelievable that we can deliver a child’s wish to be a recording artist.”
Ben Eisenberg, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida Board of Directors Chairman

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3:49 p.m.

It’s time to learn a bit more about our superstar. Here’s a list of some of Victoria’s favorites.

Favorite color: Pink 
Favorite book: Fancy Nancy
Favorite hobbies: Playing Checkers, Dressing up, collecting dolls and doing their hair, singing along with her karaoke machine
Favorite stars/shows: Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus), Raven (That’s So Raven), iCarly, Strawberry Shortcake

Here are a fun facts about Victoria:
She also loves to play with her guitars, even though she doesn’t know how to play them yet. She has an acoustic guitar and just got a pink one for her wish.
She is not into sports. She prefers girlie things. 
She doesn’t really talk much about school.
She likes hamsters and dogs. 

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3:13 p.m.

Also a songwriter, Victoria is elated to perform one of her original songs for her debut album. Here are some of her very own lyrics.

You ate my ham …You went to camp
Everyone wanted you to say maam
You said it wasn’t fair
Guess you wanted to be Sam
Here I am again in the back of my mind
Should it be mine..should it be mine
Should I be asking myself why
You didn’t care
So..you ate my ham
You went to camp

“This is a really cool wish. We work hard every day but seeing a wish come true first hand just makes it all worthwhile.”
Willy Gomez, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida Board of Directors Chair-Elect Designate

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2:22 p.m.

Singing with her whole heart, Victoria’s wish is materializing right in front of her adoring parents’ eyes.

“Her voice is like heaven. It’s Mozart to me.”
Ivette, Victoria’s mother

“From hearing her scream from needles to singing her heart out. It’s an indescribable feeling.”
Kris, Victoria’s father

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1:56 p.m.

Keep emailing your questions to Victoria at WishOfTheMonth@sflawish.org. Here’s her answers to some questions you’ve already asked.

Hannah of Miramar asked: Do you have any advice for others who want to sing?
Victoria’s answer: If you practice, then you can be really good.

Caden of Tamarac asked: Did you practice to get ready for today?
Victoria’s answer: I practiced everywhere. In the car, in front of the TV, with a karaoke machine, with my mom, with my Wish Granter.

Stuart of Wellington asked: Is there anything that you want to tell your fans?
Victoria’s answer: I’m so happy that my dream is coming true.

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1:30 p.m.

Since you can’t hear Victoria sing until her CD is released later this month, here’s the chorus of the first song she is recording today.

“This Is Me”" by Demi Lovato

This is real
This is me
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now,
Gonna let the light
Shine on me
Now I found who I am
There’s no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I wanna be
This is me

“The sheer enjoyment on Victoria’s parents’ faces as they watch their daughter’s wish unfold after she’s been through so much. It’s priceless.”

Brenda Yester, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida Board of Directors Chair-Elect

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12:56 p.m.

Just two minutes into recording and Victoria’s personality shines through. She dances along to the music as she delights in doing what she loves most - performing.

Ana Cristina said, “She’s doing really well. Every take, she gets just a little more comfortable.”

Mike McGinnis of Honor Roll Studios said, “She’s better than I anticipated and more powerful than she looks.”

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12:28 p.m.

As she entered the studio, Victoria said, “I’m super excited and a little scared.” Sony International Recording Artist Ana Cristina surprised Victoria by being her voice coach. Ana Cristina calmed her nerves by telling her she would be her best friend all day. Her words of advice, “Just sing from your heart.”  

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11:52 a.m.

As she arrived in front of Honor Roll Studios, an ecstatic Victoria was presented with a beautiful bouquet of pink and purple flowers.

It fills my heart with honor to be such a wonderful little girl’s Wish Granter. Today is the culmination of months of planning - to make a special little girl’s wish come true. She picked the perfect wish for her personality. Victoria never talks about being sick, only about music. She’s a regular kid who loves to sing and perform. She is overjoyed to be able to share her love of singing with others.

Debbie, Victoria’s Wish Granter  

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10:57 a.m.

Victoria would like to hear from you. If you have a question for her, please email it to WishOfTheMonth@sflawish.org. Make sure you include your name and we’ll post answers to your questions throughout the day. 

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10:30 a.m.

A white stretch limousine is whisking Victoria and her family off in grand style and will deliver them to her wish come true. Victoria’s number one fans, her parents Kris and Ivette, and her six-year-old brother Christian are all dressed in pink, her favorite color.  Next stop is Honor Roll Studios in Miami.

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10:00 a.m.

My daughter Victoria was born on April 29, 2001. By the age of nine months, she had already underwent a five organ transplant and 17 major surgeries and procedures. The transplant was a chance for a new beginning but it hasn’t been an easy road. Every day presents a new challenge. Victoria’s story is not a sad one, but one of hope. Although she had to overcome many hurdles, today my daughter is a smart, beautiful and loving 8-year-old. Thanks to her second chance, she has been able to do things that might have otherwise never been possible. She is full of dreams and aspirations that are within her reach. Today she will fulfill her most heartfelt wish to be a rock star and record her own CD. As she realizes her dream, it is my hope as her mother, that the music captures her spirit and remains in her heart for years to come.

Ivette, Victoria’s Mom

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What’s it like to spend a day in the life of a recording artist? Eight-year-old Victoria will find out when her wish to record her very own CD is granted on Monday, June 8th. Her wish will also mark a huge milestone for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida - it’s the 7,000th wish we have granted in our 25-year history.

Follow the singing sensation’s every note HERE as we detail her experience with live updates starting at 10 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.

Why did she choose to record a CD as her greatest wish? Victoria carries a little notebook of her songs with her everywhere that she goes and her grandfather taught her how to play the guitar. When she listens to her favorite singer, Hannah Montana, she always wonders what it would be like to be a rock star. Here’s her chance to find out.

For weeks, Victoria has been practicing her songs and preparing for her big moment. There was even a glamorous photo shoot to capture the perfect images for her CD cover. On Monday morning, Victoria and her parents will leave their Royal Palm Beach home and take a limousine ride to a recording studio in Miami to make her wish come true. She will spend the day working with a celebrity voice coach and producers as she records tracks for her debut CD. Surprises and special perks are in store for the newest singing sensation who will celebrate the unveiling of her CD at an upcoming release party.