MASSENA -- Nineteen-year-old Stephanie McKeel, of Massena, thought she had travelled three hours to serve as a Make-A-Wish Central New York ambassador for a “Believe Day” event in Syracuse.

However, after completing a letter to Santa and posing for photos, she got the surprise of a lifetime: McKeel, who has cystic fibrosis and underwent a double lung transplant in May, was told her wish to go to Hawaii is coming true.

The message was delivered by her Wish Granting volunteers Benny and Jamie Fairchild of Waddington, with a crowd of supporters from Make-A-Wish Central New York and Syracuse University, including S.U. mascot Otto the Orange, members of the S.U. Dance Team, members of the S.U. Wishmakers on Campus Club, and several S.U. Theater Majors who serenaded McKeel and the crowd. The S.U. component was inspired by McKeel, who is an avid Syracuse University basketball fan.

In honor of the group’s “National Believe Day” and the surprise wish announcement party, McKeel received a makeover and a gift card for shopping. Before the makeover, the Fairchilds let McKeel know the family was arranged to stay overnight at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and attend the Dec. 10 S.U. men’s and women’s basketball games at the Carrier Dome.

As McKeel enjoyed her makeover, the crowd enjoyed specially made “Believe” cake, and Make-A-Wish Central New York President and CEO Diane Kuppermann thanked everyone for participating.

McKeel was referred to Make-A-Wish in May 2015 but, due to health issues, was not approved for the wish experience by her physician until November of this year.