If you’ve had the chance to read “Mama It’s My Miracle” here on our website, here is the fairy tale ending.  Like a fantasy playing out in a Disney film, Nereyda’s own wish came true when the Finck family agreed to serve as her host family while she underwent open-heart surgery at UCLA Medical Center. 

On May 25th at midnight, Nereyda with her radiant smile met Scot’s wife Pam at the airport.  Nereyda, a petite teenager with long, beautiful curly black hair had a calm disposition.  The saying, “girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice” rang true for Nereyda who was the complete opposite to the Finck brothers’ ( age 10 and 8 ) energetic and more often than not rambunctious chaps.  The Finck family, especially Pam, welcomed having a girl in their male-dominated home.  Nereyda was able to experience life in America as well as teach the Finck family a few traditions that she brought from her country like breaking an egg over Scot Finck’s head on his birthday.

Nereyda stayed with the Finck family for 2 months.  Shortly after arriving, the Finck’s came to realize what a big fan Nereyda was of all the Disney Animation films, Princess characters and Disneyland.  It was her goal to meet as many characters as possible.  After she underwent her surgery and as soon as the doctor gave her the okay to go to Disneyland, the Finck family took her as often as they could.  She really enjoyed her visit to Goofey’s Kitchen and Ariel’s Grotto where she wore her very own Belle costume.  By the time she left, she had filled up two autograph books with all the pictures and signatures of her favorite characters.

It was very hard to say their good-byes when Nereyda was well enough to return home.  However, Nereyda continues to stay in touch through e-mail and will always be a Princess in the Finck families’ hearts.