5-Year-Old Becomes Princess for a Day, Disney Wish Granted

Leah Prendergast of East Berlin is battling a life-threatening medical condition

A 5-year-old’s dream of going to Disney World is coming true as Make-A-Wish Connecticut and the town of Berlin sent her off in the style of a true Disney princess.

Leah Prendergast of East Berlin is battling a life-threatening medical condition, and a spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation said her family wishes to keep the details private.

But for one day, she could forget about her problems.

Saturday she was treated like royalty – a parade of police escorts, fire engines and a horse-drawn carriage made its way through Berlin, where the streets were lined with hundreds of friends, family and community members clutching signs that showed their love and support.

"It was really nice to go on a carriage ride," said Leah's sister, Alexa. Leah herself was at a loss for words, but the excitement on her face said it all.

"To make her feel like such an important person in the community – she is an important person to the community, she's a celebrity in her own right – to give her and her entire family a sense of joy, comfort and support, it's incredible," said Make-A-Wish spokesperson Michael Dominick.

The mayor even declared Jan. 11 “Princess Leah Day.”

The parade began on Route 72 and continued on to Webster Square Road. Leah and her family took a ride in the carriage and followed the parade to the Creations Nail Salon, where Leah received the royal treatment of a manicure and pedicure.

Leah and her family leave for Disney World on Sunday morning.

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