In a regal ballroom at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, party guests exchanged eager glances. Outside on the steps, six uniformed West Point cadets stood alongside a red carpet with their sabers at the ready, and four more comprised a military brass band. Everyone had assembled to welcome the guest of honor, Samantha, on the night of her 17th birthday – and the night of her heartfelt wish.

Samantha, who was born with a single-ventricle heart, felt like she had waited an eternity for this wish to happen. But she was no stranger to the waiting game – she had grown up in doctors’ waiting rooms, waited for medical test results and waited to learn whether her treatments were working. And she waited for fun things, too – such as new episodes of one of her favorite shows, MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16.”

Samantha wasn’t able to have the sweet 16 party she’d dreamed of for herself, but when wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Hudson Valley visited her, the luxurious party she always imagined was suddenly within reach.

After weeks of preparation, Samantha’s birthday arrived. Wish granters had worked hard to share her story with community members, and their support of the party was overwhelming. Jewelers for Children, a long-time supporter of the Foundation, sponsored Samantha’s wish, allowing her to pick out formal invitations and select a flowing white ball gown and tiara. A West Point professor – and former wish dad – arranged for the military academy to take part in Samantha’s wish and for the landmark Hotel Thayer to host and cater the great gala. A hairstylist, make-up artist and manicurist donated their services so Samantha would look picture-perfect for her birthday debut.

A limousine delivered the birthday girl to West Point in high style, but Samantha was so excited that she arrived early; the guests weren’t ready for her yet. With quick thinking, the limo driver drove her on an impromptu tour of the West Point campus to give wish granters time to put the finishing touches on the party.

Anyone who watches “My Super Sweet 16” knows the most anticipated moment is the birthday girl’s grand entrance, and Samantha’s party was no exception. The limo pulled in front of the ballroom, and – to Samantha’s surprise and delight – a West Point officer was there to announce her arrival. The brass band welcomed her with a trumpet fanfare, and the other officers created the famous saber arch for her to pass under.

Samantha entered the elegant doors to a crowd of cheering friends and family. Pastel pink and white balloons lined the walls and flowers adorned the tables. A deejay was on hand, and Samantha and her friends sang and danced the night away, taking every opportunity to pose for photographers.

Chris Febles, wish coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hudson Valley, said Samantha simply loved the camera and thrived in the spotlight. “Nobody enjoyed the party as much as she did,” he said. “For her, the best part of the wish was getting to spend time with her friends.”

In 2008, Jewelers for Children celebrates its 10th anniversary and will grant its 1,000th wish with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

– By Kathryn Roethel