Mara’s Dream Beneath the Waves
Seventeen-year-old Mara has always loved marine science, so when it came time to choose her Dream, there was no question what it would be, a trip to the Georgia Aquarium to experience the incredible opportunity to Swim with Whale Sharks.
For Mara, seeing the massive animals up close was unlike anything she could have imagined. “You don’t even think about how big they are until they are right there,” she shared. The whale shark she swam beside measured 29 feet long, nearly the size of a school bus. Though she had watched videos ahead of time to prepare, nothing compared to experiencing it in person.
The experience brought another important milestone as well. Mara used her new prosthetic swim leg during the encounter, designed specifically for swimming with a more webbed foot. While the snorkel took a little getting used to, Mara adapted quickly and embraced every moment in the water. One unforgettable surprise came when a shark fin even bumped into her during the swim.
For Mara's mom, some of the most special moments came simply from watching her daughter's joy throughout the trip. Together, their family spent hours exploring the aquarium, especially the shark predator tank, where Mara proudly declared, "I am the shark whisperer," as sharks repeatedly swam right up to the glass near her. Her passion and knowledge about marine life made the entire experience even more meaningful.
The family also enjoyed special moments together outside the aquarium including the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel. During dinner at Ted's Montana Grill, the staff went above and beyond to make the experience memorable, even gifting Mara a fun bison ear hat. Their stay at The Candler Hotel added another layer of comfort and thoughtfulness to the trip. The family appreciated the quiet downtime together, a rare chance to simply relax, enjoy a show, and be present with one another.
Looking back, the Dream meant far more than just the activities themselves. For Mara, "it showed the length of the people around her to go to see her happy. It was really amazing." Her mom reflected on everything Mara has faced through cancer treatment and the loss of her leg, sharing how grateful she was for the opportunity to see one of Mara's dreams come true without having to worry about planning or logistics.
As Mara reflected on the experience, she summed it up simply, "It was just so unreal…I genuinely couldn't believe that it was my life. That I was doing it."
For Mara and her family, this Dream was more than a trip. It was joy, healing, adventure, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience wonder together beneath the waves.
Toby's Dream Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Candler Hotel, Georgia Aquarium, SkyView Atlanta, and our generous funding partner, Resource Lighting, for helping make Mara's incredible Dream come true.
