Hi Carol,
Welcome to planDisney, where we believe in the power of magic, wishes, and dreams!
We are honored that you brought this question to us and hope that we can offer some possibilities to honor your friend's little one. Every child is precious, and we can celebrate this little royal's life together. Although we currently have no program to name a Disney princess in memory of someone, we do have other ways that may celebrate the short, sweet life of your friend's princess.
Since our twin girls were born two months early, their godmother started doing charitable walks and raising money to donate in ways that could help other families with babies born prematurely. Consider gathering a group to celebrate her life in a
runDisney event. Although the in-person races are spectacular, I did a virtual
Star Wars Half Marathon two years ago. So, you could get your group together to run in honor of your friend's little princess at the Walt Disney World Resort or you all can join together virtually with everyone running on their own time in their hometowns.
Since you are planning now, you could prepare to register for the next available
Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The
Disney Parks Blog will announce dates for 2022, so be on the lookout because registration fills quickly! Also take a look at this year's
participating charities and consider registering through one of those. What makes these events so memorable are the many creative ways runners dress the part of their favorite Disney characters. Find the creative costuming soul in your group and have them design princess inspired outfits that all of you can wear comfortably while running. Then book your resort hotel, pack your running shoes, and get set to lift her memory
to infinity and beyond as you run
.If you want her memory to light the world in a slightly different way, consider also
purchasing a commemorative legacy paver in her honor. Choose either the six or eight inch and personalize it with the name of your friend's princess. If you purchase one for select family and friends, you can spread her memory and life among them. The beauty of these pavers comes with the personalized message you get to craft. Consider a phrase of hope that will celebrate her life with joy.
Quite honestly, I believe in the power of both possibilities. Every year that my friend honors our girls with her charitable fundraising, I find courage in the hope those gifts provide for other families with babies born prematurely. I remember the hours we spent isolated in the hospital praying for our girls to live. If you can do anything that helps your friend and others facing such loss, channel the fighting spirit of Mulan, and plan.
Carol, your love for your friend and her eternal princess is clear. Sending you the courage of Princess Tiana wishing on the Evening Star as you make the world a little brighter for your friend and sending your friend the wayfinding spirit of Moana as she finds the courage to keep going. May hope guide you both.
Magic and memories,
Donyell