While at Bridgeport High School, Mackenzie Steele was a regular on the stage; be it acting, singing or dancing endeavors. Now a freshman at West Virginia University, she has stepped into a role which will help dreams come true.

 

“I’m currently a princess in training,” said Steele, referring to her activity with the student group, A Moment of Magic.

 

Once she completes 40 hours of shadowing, she will suit up head to toe in Disney princess attire and visit children fighting serious illness.

 

“We go to the children’s hospital at Ruby, as well as various other events around the area, including 5Ks – anything with children, really,” Steele said.

 

The nonprofit organization began in New York when a pair of college students dressed up and made hospital visits.

 

“They have both graduated now and one decided to pursue running the organization as her career,” Steele said.

 

The foundation also features superhero and athlete visits, as well as direct family support and inter-family connections. There is no charge for the visits. A Moment of Magic Foundation is the largest organization of its kind with 12 chapters throughout the U.S. and more than 400 volunteers.

 

This is the first year for the program at WVU and will focus on pediatric cancer. Members of the new student group recently attended CureFest, an awareness event in Washington, DC which features a rally, candlelight vigil, walk, games and activities and networking among organizations which advocate for victims of childhood cancer.

 

Steele is excited for this new adventure and looks forward to her coronation in December, when her character will be revealed.  She is currently raising funds to purchase her gown, gloves, heels, wig and other accessories needed to step into her role of royalty.

 

Steele said she has had a passion for community service since she joined the Key Club at BHS.

 

“I just loved the feeling of being able to make a difference in someone’s life and being able to make someone smile,” she said. “When I got to WVU, I knew that I would definitely continue to volunteer.”

 

Steele serves as the West Virginia district editor for Circle K, the college equivalent to Key Club.

 

She said she found out about A Moment of Magic through one of her mentors at the honors college.

 

“She mentioned this club that dressed up as Disney princesses and visited the children’s hospital and I knew it was the club for me,” she said. “I was so excited that I could create this moment of magic for children who may not have experienced anything recently to make them happy. To make them smile would just make my day, as well as theirs.”

 

Steele plans to make a career of helping people. She is currently a biology major with plans to attend med school. She encourages students to join up with college organizations as it’s also a great way to make friends on campus.

 

Her current fundraising goal is $450. Donations can be made HERE.

 

Learn more about A Moment of Magic Foundation, how to volunteer and how to recommend a child for a visit HERE.

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Mackenzie Steele courtesy of The Silver Shutter. Photos of Disney princesses making appearances are courtesy of A Moment of Magic Foundation Facebook page.