The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties granted the wish of Westlake Village resident Jessica Shuben recently with a full day of events in Agoura and Thousand Oaks.

Diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukemia at age 11, Jessica has undergone two bone marrow transplants. Her condition made her medically eligible to receive a wish from the foundation. 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Jessica’s wish was to have a party to celebrate her life with all of those who have helped her during her ordeal.

Jessica is the youngest child and the only daughter of Jodi and Russell Shuben.

"It was out of the blue. This was my healthy child," said Jodi Shuben, recalling the moment when she heard the news of Jessica’s diagnosis.

Jessica, now 18, learned about the Make-A-Wish Foundation soon after she was diagnosed, but waited to have her wish granted until she recovered.

"She was just getting better when she had to have a second bone marrow transplant," said jessica’s mother. "Jessica’s wish coming true is like finally winding-up a chapter and starting a brighter new one." 

Jessica decided on having a party as her greatest wish because she wanted to involve her friends and family. Compliments of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Jessica’s wish came true on Sat., April 30.

She began her magical day by riding on a fire truck during the Conejo Valley Days Parade. Later that day, Jessica prepared to look her best with a visit to Salon 3835 in Thousand Oaks. At 5:30 p.m. Jessica arrived via limousine at Calamigos Ranch in rural Agoura where she was joined by more than 90 guests. The group was treated to an evening featuring refreshments, dinner and a DJ.

Jessica’s wish was granted with the help of friends at the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association.

Through the Foundation’s Adopt-A-Wish program, the Ventura County group donated $5,000 to adopt Jessica’s wish and to publicly show their commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s cause. The Association’s charity fund is raised through member and public donations. Recently, Engine Company 31 of Westlake Village invited Jessica and her family for a homemade lasagna dinner at the firehouse.

"Children of members of our fire department have received wishes from the Make-A-Wish Foundation," said Steve Kauffman, vice president of charities for the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association. "It is very rewarding to be on the other end this time, affecting other deserving children in a very positive way," Kauffman said. "Being able to help the Foundation grant Jessica’s wish is a good example of how Ventura County Firefighters help their community at work and also outside of work."

Shanna Wasson Taylor, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties, said, "The generosity and joy in giving demonstrated by our friends and supporters are the real magic behind each wish.  It is only thanks to their generous help that our mission is possible."

Erin Bagaason of Calamigos Ranch worked with Jessica to provide a personalized experience.

"I didn’t want Jessica to feel limited by our printed menus, so I asked her what she would have for dinner if she could have anything at all," Bagaason said. " She loves Italian food, especially chicken parmesan, so our chef and I designed an entirely customized menu of various Italian food stations, incorporating Jessica’s favorites."

Calamigos donated more than $1,600 in services and support to organize Jessica’s dream party.

"I cannot imagine anything more inspiring than making a child’s wish come true," said Bagaason.

With a staff of four and the help of more than 60 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties is celebrating almost 700 heartfelt wishes granted to children of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. 

If you want to refer a child to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, call (888) 899-9474 or visit: www.tri-countieswish.org.