High tea presented by Make-A-Wish brings Murrysville girl's dream to life

Alejandra “Ale” Guerrero of Murrysville was radiant Sunday, and not just because she had on a flowing, princess-blue ballgown.

The 13-year-old seventh grader at Franklin Regional Middle School, who fought her way through cancer last year, always wanted to attend a masquerade ball. She’d wear a fancy gown, the idea went. She’d be like royalty.

Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia wanted to make it happen. With help from hotel staff at Fairmont Pittsburgh, Downtown, the nonprofit created a masquerade-themed tea party Sunday with masks, classical piano music performed live – and, of course, elegant treats including tea sandwiches, macaroons and pastries.

She was joined by 30 friends and relatives who helped her realize the fantasy.

The two-hour high tea starting at noon was cause to celebrate for another reason. The Hodgkin’s lymphoma Guerrero was diagnosed with in March 2023 responded to treatment. She and her family say she is now disease-free.

“I’m so happy right now,” Guerrero said as a pianist serenaded the attendees and servers worked the exquisitely set tables on the hotel’s second floor. “I just love tea parties and stuff.”

Her family, including mother and father, Mandi and Manuel Guerrero, posed for pictures as their daughter briefly sat in a high-back chair, like a throne.

Alejandra wants to one day be a musician and already plays half a dozen instruments, her mother said.

Mandi Guerrero’s voice wavered as she told event organizers that her child’s medical turn of fortune means she has a future. “I was not sure how I was going to feel, because this would all of a sudden bring back why she’s here,” Mandi said of Sunday’s event. “But this is something she’s always wanted. I’m so glad everyone showed up.”

A selection of teas served were compliments of Abeille Voyante Tea Co. and were customized to Ale’s preferences. The Fairmont provided the room, the food and servers and also presented Alejandra with a six-piece tea set as a gift. A photo booth was at the ready so partygoers could capture permanent images.

Royal afternoon

Invited guests began arriving a little after noon at the hotel near Market Square. They were invited to a table where colorful masks were lined up. Nearby, a selection of teas was waiting as the attendees took their seats at the formally set tables.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., the attendee of honor was escorted into the room, her dress flowing behind her as she smiled and greeted her friends once she sat down.

On a keyboard in the background, classical music was performed by Camille Villalpando Rolla, who also is an adjunct music faculty member at Point Park University.

The event reflected a blend of Alejandra’s likes, said Leigh Ann Lubarsky, senior director of program services and part of the wish-granting team.

“She loves dressing up,” Lubarsky said. “She loves French things, Victorian things, and you can tell it’s kind of a vision of a 13-year-old. So there’s feathers. There’s masks. It think it’s all her favorite things.”

Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia works as a nonprofit to grant life-changing wishes for children, ages 2½ to 18, with critical illnesses. It is among the nation’s most active chapters and reports having delivered on 21,000 wishes.

Not all wishes are as elaborate as a high-tea party at a luxury hotel. Some wishes granted enable those battling illness to see a sports figure or celebrity.

Wish granted

The power of fulfilling a wish was evident in the room, from hotel employees who seemed extra determined to make things perfect to parents of some of the attendees.

As his daughter, Adriana, 8, one of the early arrivals, fought temptation to dig into the sandwiches, Andres Lopez of Ohio Township was struck by the event’s power.

“It’s neat, and it’s so encouraging,” he said.

It was evident as well in the faces of organizers, including Stephanie Pugliese, director of development for the chapter. The events are living proof that others care, but she said she also learns from the children who face struggles beyond what most will encounter in their lives.

“I’ve learned that the world is bigger than than myself, and that we all need to take care of each other,” she said. “It takes a village to help a person.”