A dream really is a wish your heart makes.
And for a very special little girl named Ellie — a four year old from Auburn, Mass., who was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome (a neurological autoimmune disorder affecting the brain and nerves) — her dream has a whole lot of heart, and starts right in Riverhead.
This Thursday, Nov. 13, the Marty Lyons Foundation is hosting an “Evening of Thanks” gala event up island at the Bourne Mansion on Montauk Highway in Oakdale, where the fine folks at the nonprofit, with help from a slew of other organizations both big and small, help grant a special wish to children between the ages of 3 and 17 who have been diagnosed with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
Thursday’s evening will include a special “Wish Reveal” for Ellie, who has a penchant for princesses and wishes to travel to the most magical place on Earth (Disney World in Orlando, Fla.) where she can meet some of her favorites. The Marty Lyons Foundation is making her wish a reality and will make the announcement at their “Royal” Gala, featuring visits from very special guest princesses, provided by CM Performing Arts Center, that her wish trip will come true March 2026.
Efforts for Ellie’s “Wish Reveal” at the gala include Nassau BOCES students handcrafting centerpieces for the event. (Photos courtesy of Marty Lyons Foundation)
Naturally, for such a special occasion, Ellie, along with her big sister, Vivienne (age 7), will need some help getting pretty-pretty-princess ready, before heading to the ball. Special hair and makeup services to prepare for the gala event will be done by Nassau BOCES cosmetology students.
“It all begins out East,” says Joanne Coppola, community relations coordinator for the Foundation. “It starts at the Residence Inn [by Marriot Long Island East End in Riverhead], and they were so kind in giving her the diamond suite. She and her family will arrive Wednesday night and they’ll be staying over, and then Thursday at 3 p.m. will begin their hair and makeup session.”
Additionally, at the gala Ellie and her Vivienne will be presented with authentic Disney Princess dresses to wear on their trip courtesy of Nassau BOCES. Ellie will be inducted as the official MLF “Princess of Courage,” presented as such by her new friends, very special guest princesses, including her Belle, her personal favorite.
A true community effort, students of Nassau BOCES incorporated their talents to create the events stage and photo booth backdrops, and centerpiece containers, according to a press release from the Foundation.
“It’s been so unbelievable,” Coppola says. “I mean, Ellie’s the cutest child anyway, and the family is so sweet, and they’ve been so communicative and so cooperative, and the mom’s been great, and they really appreciate every single thing, you know. And she’s been sending us videos, just on a personal level, on Ellie. And she sent us a video of Ellie trying on her dress for the event, and then she sent us a video of her getting her last scan. And, you know, Ellie was saying herself, ‘I got I did my last scan, and I’m cancer free.’ So, we got good news that way. It’s all just something great. And the more people you tell that, that’s how it’s been, all these people have stepped up. It’s really, really, really become a very community-oriented event.”
