Neysa is a friendly high school student from Chicago’s western suburbs who loves baking with her mom, Marisa. Together, they enjoy making cookies using Marisa's secret recipe that she came up with when she was Neysa’s age. Friends and family cannot get enough of their cookies, and they love making them.

Born with a life-threatening genetic condition, her health challenges flared about five years ago when the seizures caused by her condition became more frequent.

"I felt like a sad and down kid because I wanted these [seizures] to go away so badly,” said Neysa to a local reporter. The timing couldn’t have been worse, as the pandemic hit soon after, and Neysa’s world was turned upside down. 

When Neysa was connected to Make-A-Wish, she knew exactly what she wanted to do: start her own cookie business. She came prepared with lots of ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a name for her company: Cookies & Crumbs. Make-A-Wish jumped into action to bring Neysa's wish to life. They worked with Neysa to create her brand, build a website to help her accept online orders and equipped her with everything Cookies & Crumbs would need to be successful, including business cards, labels, and promotional materials.

Throughout the planning, Neysa experienced some serious medical setbacks. In addition to the seizures she experienced, tumors caused by her condition were making school more challenging. The anticipation of her wish helped keep her focused and hopeful throughout her hospitalizations. This summer, she had a few surgeries that brought some relief.

“I was so happy they took one of the tumors out," joked Neysa. "I felt like my Bluetooth signal was back on.”

Finally, her wish day arrived. Make-A-Wish coordinated a grand opening for Cookies & Crumbs at Neysa's high school. Friends, family, and the local community gathered to celebrate the launch of her business and enjoy some delicious cookies. To make the day even sweeter, Neysa shared some great news with attendees. After her surgeries this summer, she has now been seizure-free for three months!

Now that Cookies & Crumbs is launched, Neysa is interested in selling her cookies at farmers markets, online, and partner with local businesses. Neysa is already busy filling the more than two dozen orders placed during her grand opening and selling her cookies at their school’s football games. Powered by the experience of her wish, she has her sights set on culinary school and has many exciting adventures ahead of her.

See Neysa and her mom Marisa interviewed on WGN Chicago.