Winnipeg girls battling life-threatening diseases crowned princesses for a day

Girls with chronic illnesses get royal treatment Girls with chronic illnesses get royal treatment Little girls facing big battles got to be princesses for a day.

Young girls got the chance to live a day in the life of a princess, Sunday, when they were fitted with jewels, sparkling tiaras and princess ball gowns.

The makeover was given to more than 100 girls, 50 to 60 of whom are fighting life-threatening or chronic illness.

They were crowned royalty at the 11th annual Princess for a Day fundraising event in support of multiple Manitoba children’s charities.

“Soon after my own experience with breast cancer in 2004, I bought a princess dress for my preschooler daughter who not only loved the dress, but spontaneously danced around in it, so joyful and carefree,” said Stella Mazza, the event’s founder and host.

“I thought it would be wonderful if other little girls could share in such a wondrous fantasy, especially those with severe health concerns. That’s how Princess for a Day came to be. I am so grateful that this annual event has earned such strong community support, allowing us to create a magical world where these brave girls can leave their cares behind – and feel special.”

The day’s events unfolded at the “Castle Chavella,” also known as the Manitoba legislature, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.