Las Vegas princess, fighting rare blood disorder, sees wish come true

Five-year-old Samantha Buckley looked and played the part of a princess on Monday at Caesars Palace casino hotel.

The local Make-A-Wish recipient wore her best smile along with a bright blue gown and sparkling tiara while soaking in the adoration of all her new subjects. She waved to onlookers and greeted all who approached her. She even kissed a frog or two.

The young girl reveled in the royal treatment she and her parents, William and June, received as part of her princess dream experience granted by Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and Caesars Entertainment. The casino company and the charity organization are rolling out the red carpet for the Buckleys, complete with a door-to-door limo ride to Samantha’s very own Las Vegas palace.

“We were overwhelmed when we walked in. I could see it on June’s face also,” William Buckley said. “We never expected anything like that. (We’re) just super appreciative.”

In addition to a two-night stay in a Caesars Palace suite, the Buckleys will dine at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and Brasserie B by Bobby Flay, relax in a personal pool and cabana, see Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island and ride in a private pod on the High Roller at The Linq Promenade, which will turn pink in honor of Samantha and her favorite royal character, Princess Peach from Super Mario Bros.

Samantha Buckley was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder when she was 1 month old. She receives monthly blood transfusions as part of her ongoing treatment.

The Las Vegas staycation is a “huge” emotional boost for the family, said William Buckley.

“We (have) no family here. We go through a lot of stress (and) really not a lot of periods of relaxation in our life. So this is kind of a forced relaxation, and we needed it. All of us,” he said.

Scott Rosenzweig, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, said over 200 local kids are waiting for their wish to be granted.

“All of our wishes are special,” he said, adding that in a situation like Samantha Buckley’s, “What we hope to do is let doctors write the prescription for medication, and we write the prescription for hope.”

Rosenzweig said his organization’s mission is aided by community partners like Caesars Entertainment.

Jason Rinta, director of human resources, performance, culture and talent development for Caesars Entertainment, said the opportunity to participate in a Make-A-Wish reveal with the Buckleys was especially exciting.

“We don’t do (reveals) often. It really hits me. It pulls on your heartstrings,” Rinta said. “Just knowing what she’s going through, it hits even harder.”

Rinta said the goal is to make the next couple of days, at least, a magical experience for the Buckleys and young Samantha.

“We hope she really, truly enjoys it because this young lady and her parents have gone through a lot,” he said. “We’re going to really make sure she’s taken care of.”

David Danzis can be reached at ddanzis@reviewjournal.com. Follow David on X at AC_Danzis.