When Genesis Tamez was born at 25 weeks, weighing only one pound, doctors told her parents there was no chance she would live more than 15 days. This week she celebrated her 15th birthday and recently had her quinceañera. That's a Latin tradition where a girl segues into womanhood.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped to throw an extra special quinceañera for Genesis. There was a mariachi band, a traditional Mexican ballet and some chambelanes, or her court of honor. The event was made possible through donations from several community partners.
It was a night that her family could only pray would come, but it was everything they’d always wished for. "I just have no words," says Genesis’ sister Emily. "Thank God for giving my sister 15 years." And when the family thought nothing could top the evening, they got a visit from their U.S. representative Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. She heard about Genesis’ story and stopped by to present her with a congressional recognition for her birthday.