Meet Mariska

To 5-year-old Mariska, a princess embodies poise, courage, strength and a touch of glam. When imagining her wish day, Mariska saw herself dancing in a whimsical dress surrounded by her closest friends and family. A princess ball in all its glory. With the help of Rock the Tea and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Mariska’s royal extravaganza became a reality.

Described by her family as a positive little girl who loves to sing, Mariska has faced many battles with the strength of a true heroine. She spent the first year and a half of her life in the hospital where she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. She has a g-button to receive food and her daily medication, a chest vest to massage her lungs, and a CPAP to improve lung function and inspiratory muscle function. Despite all that she has endured at a young age, Mariska is a pro at straightening her crown and spreading joy to those around her.

There was no shortage of joy on Mariska’s wish day. Stepping out of her limo in a whimsical dress with sparkly shoes, Mariska and her closest friends and family were given the royal treatment the entire day by the team at Rock the Tea. The group enjoyed princess makeovers, a dress up fashion show, a tea party, and a surprise visit from Elsa herself! After a day of fun, the group sat down to enjoy Mariska’s favorite meal, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.

Strength comes in many forms. Mariska’s courageous battle with cystic fibrosis means that she is called upon to manifest that strength more than the average kid. She loved the opportunity to be pampered alongside her royal entourage. When she faces difficult days ahead, we know that she will look back on this day as a source of strength and hope. She certainly has what it takes to rule a kingdom.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

When 5-year-old Mariska was asked what she wanted for lunch on her wish day, the little girl didn’t hesitate for a moment … Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers were at the top of her list. The concept – a restaurant that only serves chicken fingers – may have been shut down several times before coming to fruition, but once the restaurant opened its doors, it hasn’t looked back. With a Labrador Retriever as the company’s namesake, this company is all about making people smile. In fact, their support for us is so great that they did a special 25th birthday plush puppy campaign where proceeds benefited Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. We are better for it, and appreciate their continued support.