A young local cancer survivor defied the odds to battle her disease and is now inspiring others to take part in a Christmas tradition that will help other children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
Macy's employees rolled out the red carpet to honor a Bakersfield girl who survived leukemia. It was a surprise welcome 12-year-old Jasmine Garcia, won't soon forget.
"She was just like, wait a minute, what's going on? She was shocked and she didn't say a word," said Glenda Nolasco, Jasmine's mother.
Jasmine wiped away tears, trying to take it all in. "It's really special. I didn't think we were doing this today or any day," said Jasmine.
As Jasmine made her way down the red carpet, more tears as she saw her family waiting for her at the end.
"They love me. They've always been there for me," she continued.
Jasmine was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 11. She had to undergo intense chemotherapy. The treatments took away her strength and her hair.
"She went through a lot. We were in the hospital day after day. I used to play crossword puzzles with her just to get through it. She fought through it. She's very strong," said Jesse Garcia, Jasmine's grandfather.
Jasmine was one of thousands of Make-a-Wish kids honored Friday at Macy's stores across the nation. For Jasmine, that meant a makeup makeover and a new outfit.
"Jasmine just represents all those Make-A-Wish kids that can't be here today. Those local Kern County kids who are waiting for a wish, that have been through the trauma of a life threatening illness," said Catherine Anspach, Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Jasmine is now in remission, but she's inspiring others to write a letter to Santa and drop it off at Macy's. It's called the "Believe" campaign.
Macy's will donate a dollar to Make-A-Wish for every letter received, up to a million dollars. Jasmine's wish is to meet Kobe Bryant. She watches every Lakers game on TV with her grandfather.
"It's exciting. He yells why didn't you pass it to him? and I'm like just calm down. It's okay," said Jasmine.
Jasmine's bedroom is filled with posters and pictures to remind her of that wish. Just like Friday, her wish will soon become a cherished memory.
Macy's will collect letters to Santa until December 23rd.