Fairy-tale inspiration

Excited, Kylee texted Maggie Mcandrew, her best friend and roommate at College of Mount St. Vincent in Bronx, New York, and shared her idea.

And you know, you look like Elsa’s sister, Princess Anna . . .

I would love to help! Maggie replied.

Soon, Kylee and Maggie were baking and selling cookies to raise money for costumes and wigs. And when Kylee got permission to visit pediatric patients at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Long Island, New York, the princesses made their first royal visit.

“Elsa” and “Anna” went room to room, singing songs with the kids, handing out coloring books and reading fairy tales.

When Kylee wrapped her shimmery cape around one little girl, the child touched her face and exclaimed, “You’re beautiful!” “You’re beautiful! And strong!” Kylee said, slipping a tiara onto the child’s head. And seeing the smile on her face, Kylee realized: Even if for just a while, she got to forget her worries—and maybe believe in happy endings again.

Hoping to continue spreading magic, Kylee founded the nonprofit A Moment of Magic (Amomentofmagic.org). And as news of the project spread on social media, other students volunteered to dress up as Disney princesses—and a few princes, too! In time, superheroes joined the entourage.