Eight-month-old Zailynn Mars from Wisconsin has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and her parents are determined that their little girl will spend more time out of the hospital than in it.
The youngster was diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy - a disorder which affects her spine and prevents the sufferer from walking, talking or even eating without assistance.
It is unlikely Zailynn will live past her second birthday, and her parents want to ensure they make the most of each day with their daughter.
In order to fit in as many experiences as they can, her parents have come up with a bucket list of things they want to do with her.
“Mainly we are trying to create memories for our daughter that every kid should experience,” her father, Cory, told ABC News.
They have already completed a number of things on their list including Cory walking his daughter down the aisle, and are planning to stage a prom at their local church so their little one can be surrounded by people who love her.
Here’s the full list of things the family hope to be able to tick off their list:
1. Daddy walks me down the aisle - completed
2. Milwaukee Zoo - completed
3. Family pictures - scheduled
4. Sibling pictures - scheduled
5. Visit a farm - completed.
6. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois
7. Disneyland
8. Go to a movie
9. Go to the beach
10. Visit the ocean
11. Draw my name in the sand - completed.
12. Get on the Ellen show to get SMA awareness out there
13. Boat ride
14. Children's museum - completed
15. Paint a picture - completed
16. Celebrate life on the 12th of every month - completed
17. Dress up like a princess - completed
18. Get my nails painted - completed
19. Go on a train ride
20. Brewers game
21. Football game
22. Play in the leaves
23. Go fishing and catch a fish
24. Get held by the fireman for a picture -completed
25. Make a snow angel
26. Build a snow man
27. Celebrate Christmas
28. Host a first birthday/meet and greet - scheduled
29. Go to prom and have pictures taken - scheduled
30. Go to a concert
31. Meet John Cena and the Rock
32. Get a ride on a horse
33. Get sent flowers - done
34. Send a gift to someone special - completed
35. Have a picnic at the park
36. Let a balloon go - done
37. Sing karaoke with daddy - scheduled
38. Celebrate Thanksgiving - scheduled
39. Go down a slide at the park
40. Go for a sled ride
41. Meet Santa get a picture with him - completed
42. Go swimming - completed
43. Bake cookies - scheduled
44. Be in two places at once
45. Get pictures taken in my mom’s wedding dress - completed
46. Go to a parade
47. Hang out with a ninja
48. Have someone sing to me - completed.
49. Hang an ornament on the Christmas tree -completed
50. Watch daddy and mommy carve pumpkins-completed
51. Receive a letter from a pen pal -completed.
52. Go mudding - completed