“Deana’s shopping spree was a teenage girl’s dream come true,” said her family. It was a wonderful day that she got to share with her two older sisters and her mother.

Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006, Deana underwent brain surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She spent three months in the hospital and in rehabilitation and experienced hours of speech and physical therapies. As a result of the tumor, Deana lost some of her vision and struggles with balance issues.

Once she was released from the hospital, Deana had two wishes: go back to school right away and go on a shopping spree. This summer, Deana’s wish to go on a shopping spree came true when she got to spend the day picking out her favorite items at the Garden State Plaza Mall in New Jersey. This Atlantic County teenager laughed with her sisters, modeled some of the latest fashion trends, spent time with a Macy’s makeup consultant and took many photographs during this magical day.

“I went through a lot,” said Deana. “This is a nice change from everything.”

After spending more than two challenging years that took time away from family and friends in order to visit doctors and relearn how to walk and talk, Deana is starting to look at a brighter future. There are now fewer visits to medical facilities and lots of planning for college next year. She is considering becoming a nutritionist.

According to her mother, “The shopping spree was an experience that had her smiling from the moment she got to the mall until she got home and unloaded her purchases. It was an unforgettable day for all of us.”