The case of Claire Lankford, a five-year-old girl with terminal cancer moved the entire country after her family and the residents of Dickinson organized to fulfill her dream of meeting the Disney princesses and become a princess for a day.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 19, the streets of Dickinson were filled by a parade in which Claire was the main guest, where she enjoyed a ride on a carriage pulled by horses and the company of her favorite Disney princesses and a prince (her father), who carried her as dozens of people gave her flowers, according to KHOU.
Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Bella were the princesses that accompanied Claire during her day.
Jaime Harbuck, a family friend, quoted by the local ABC affiliate, said the girl's terminal cancer presents five tumors in her lungs and lymph nodes. Harbuck added that the doctors had given the girl a maximum of two months to live; however, despite the dark panorama, Claire has always fought to keep a smile in her face.
Claire's princess dress was donated by the local wedding dress store, Jill's Fashions and Bridal. Danielle Smith, from the fashion store, said her efforts were focused on making Claire look like the most beautiful princess on her day. "From her toes to the tiara, we like to make our princess have that touch of brilliance and glamour."
Patricia Lankford, the girl's mother, who also donned a princess costume, said that it's not the clothes you wear or the places you live in, but simply the memories that you take the time to create, making a reference to the memories she will have next to her daughter.
Regarding the princesses visiting her house, Claire didn't know anything about it, and was a complete surprise. Patricia Lankford told KHOU that Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Bella would ring the bell to her home on Wednesday afternoon and Claire would be the one to open the door.
Claire Lankford suffered from a rare type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma, which she has been fighting for a year and a half. There is no cure.
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