After a lifetime of dealing with congenital heart disease Las Vegas teen gets her wish to be a fashion model thanks to
Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada and Fashion Show Las Vegas
A 17-year-old, with congenital heart disease and a passion for fashion, finally got her wish granted thanks to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. Camila’s dream of experiencing a full day of glamour, like her favorite fashion models on Instagram and Tik Tok, came to life after the organization, fashion and lifestyle photographer Jerry Metellus, along with Fashion Show Las Vegas (FSLV) and Forever 21 inside Fashion Show Las Vegas, joined forces for an unforgettable day of glam and pampering.
Camila could not stop smiling on her wish day. It all began with a night’s stay in a Red Rock Resort & Spa suite. The next morning, Camila and her mom were whisked away in a limo to the studio of famed photographer Jerry Metellus. There, Camila was surprised with her own glam squad and a collection of outfits from her favorite store, Forever 21. Camila teared up as she ran her hand over all the clothes on the rack, but this wasn’t a day for tears! It was time to get ready for her photoshoot.
With hair and makeup perfected, Camila’ personal stylist helped her choose the outfits for her photo shoot, thanks to FSLV. Shy at first in front of the camera, especially about her heart surgery scar, Jerry made her feel supported and her confidence grew. After a full day on set, Camila left the studio feeling beautiful, full of the joy with memories to last a lifetime. And of course she came away with her own model “look book” filled with amazing photos of her dressed in clothing that conveys her personal style, which she’ll no doubt share on Instagram. Following her glamorous photo shoot, Camila and her family took her new look out on the town and enjoyed a delectable dinner at the famed celebrity hot spot, Sugar Factory at FSLV.
Camila has congenital heart disease for which she had surgery as an infant and takes daily medication plus routine doctor visits to prevent the need for further operations. Like many teenage girls she loves dressing up and shares her keen sense of style with friends and family on Instagram and Tik Tok. During COVID, Camila turned to social media to stay connected. It’s there she discovered a passion for fashion and her wish was born!
Watch Camila’s wish come true on YouTube, and click here to view some of her amazing photos from her “look book!”
About Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada
Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring the power of wishing to every eligible child because every step of the wish journey can help children build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Since our chapter’s founding in 1996, more than 2,300 wishes have been granted for children in the local community. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and 58 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 340,000 wishes nationwide. For more information about Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, visit wish.org/snv.