Make-A-Wish grants wish that keeps giving
Written by Karina Hollingsworth on September 28, 2021
By: Karina Hollingsworth
It was a special day for 10-year-old Melinda Moreno.
The brain cancer survivor from Bellaire, Texas was confined to her home during the COVID-19 pandemic due to her compromised immune system.
Within the walls of her home is where she discovered her love of art.
Moreno yearned for art lessons and she began to wonder what it would feel like to have her artwork displayed in a gallery like a real artist.
Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she doesn’t have to wonder anymore.
“Never let your dreams not come true,” Melinda Moreno said. “Anything can happen if you ask for it.”
Make-A-Wish granted Moreno’s wish with the help of Houston-based artist Edgar Medina.
Medina, who specializes in abstract and mixed painting on canvas gave Moreno weekly art lessons.
Together they created 13 paintings to complete their Moments Through Seasons Collection.
“She wanted to talk about her love for the sunsets, her love for the sky, colors and her love for emotions,” Medina said.
The second part of Moreno’s wish to have her artwork displayed in a gallery was fulfilled by Laura Rathe Fine Art.
Moreno’s artwork was auctioned in the gallery, but there was one special piece of art that was not auctioned due to its sentimental value.
“Our favorite piece we created together is the winter piece,” Medina said. “That was the third painting we created together. In the third painting, she let herself go in the creative process. That’s the beginning of when everything started to come together.”
Make-A-Wish also surprised Moreno by putting her artwork on 17 billboards in Houston and the surrounding areas.
Moreno’s mother Linda Reyes is thankful for Make-A-Wish because they made Melinda’s dream come true.
She believes it is important for kids who are sick to have something to look forward to.
“Never lose your faith and always encourage kids to find an outlet,” Reyes said.
The Moments Through Seasons auction will be available online at momentsthroughseasons.com through Sept. 26th.
All funds will go to granting more wishes.
