12-Year-Old Kidney Transplant Survivor Lives Out Flight Attendant Dream with Qantas
Trisha experienced a day as cabin crew, serving passengers and learning procedures after overcoming a serious medical illness.
Trisha, a 12-year-old from Victoria, Australia, fulfilled her dream of becoming a Qantas flight attendant for a day, an experience made possible by Make-A-Wish Australia after she battled end-stage kidney failure and underwent a transplant.
Trisha's fascination with flight attendants grew during family trips, inspiring her wish to experience the role firsthand. The opportunity allowed her to feel like part of the Qantas team, providing an authentic cabin crew experience and assisting passengers.
On September 15, Trisha flew on QF735 from Sydney to Adelaide, donning the airline's uniform. She participated in training and emergency procedure simulations before earning her wings and helping serve customers during the flight. "My favorite part is pushing the trolley with the snacks. It makes me feel very excited, and very happy," Trisha said.
Her parents, Gerald and Michelle, expressed their joy at witnessing Trisha's happiness. "To be a member of the cabin crew and then doing the service and talking to the customers on the flight – it was quite a great experience for her," Gerald commented. Michelle added that seeing her daughter's wish come true was amazing after a difficult time.
Qantas cabin crew member Ashlee Fischer, who acted as Trisha's buddy, was impressed by the young girl's enthusiasm and confidence. "When she came to the training center she just jumped straight in," Ms. Fischer said. "Her confidence, her joy – she was having so much fun, laughing, smiling. She learnt so much, and so much of that I saw on the flight as well."
Ms. Fischer described the experience as a highlight of her career and expressed hope that Trisha had a wonderful day. Qantas shared a video of Trisha's experience on social media, which garnered positive reactions from viewers.
