Girl’s wish is personal — as in personal computer

Bob Shemeligian

Friday, July 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Shanna Sullivan, who is battling leukemia, could have asked for anything she wanted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nevada.

The 11-year-old Las Vegas girl didn't ask for a trip to Disney World. Nor did she ask for a pony, a roomful of stuffed animals or other such fun-filled requests.

Shanna had a '90s type of request.

She asked for and received a Toshiba laptop computer and printer, courtesy of Larry and Camile Ruvo, owners of Southern Nevada Wine and Spirits.

But to ensure that Shanna's wish was granted in a fun-filled atmosphere, Make-A-Wish teamed with Planet Hollywood to throw an ice-cream party Thursday for Shanna, her friends, family members and several Make-A-Wish volunteers.

"Ice cream is my favorite food," said Shanna, who wore white heels and a stylish plaid skirt for the occasion.

Tonya Brum of Make-A-Wish explained that the laptop will allow Shanna to keep up with her school work, communicate on the Internet and enjoy a few computer games during her upcoming hospital stay at UCLA Medical Center, where she will receive a bone marrow transplant from her sister Kira.

"We love to play computer games, and now we can play at the hospital," said 12-year-old Kira. "Our favorite game is Mario World."

Brum explained that more and more young children are requesting personal computers through the Make-A-Wish Foundation -- a sure sign that the high-tech explosion affects everyone.

"This is certainly an exciting day for Shanna," said her father, 35-year-old Tom Sullivan. "You can make your dreams come true, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation."

Seated among the group of nearly two dozen at Planet Hollywood was Niki Rodriquez, Shanna's homebound services teacher.

"This is an excellent program," Rodriquez said. "It gives the children hope. The staff of Make-A-Wish really does their best to make a child's dream come true."

Also at the celebration was Shanna's favorite aunt, Brigid Joseph.

"This is wonderful," the 30-year-old Joseph said between bites of ice cream. "I love the ice cream, but what I really love is seeing a smile on Shanna's face."