UnitedHealthcare, Make-A-Wish partner for Springfield teen

A 16-year-old Springfield girl is one of two Missouri children whose wishes are being granted this month as part of St. Louis-based UnitedHealthcare's three-year, $4.5 million alliance with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

The Springfield girl, identified in a news release only as QueenEsta, or Queen, has been diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a medical condition that affects her brain.

Her wish was to spend Christmas with her family in Greece. Following a Greek-themed sendoff party this afternoon at UnitedHealthcare's Springfield site, 1930 W. Bennett St., the family will depart Dec. 21 for a seven-day holiday trip in Athens.

The other Missouri wish is for an 8-year-old boy, Chase of Lake St. Louis. He and his family are taking a Disney cruise to the Bahamas.

"As a health and well-being company, we work every day to make a difference in our communities, and we are honored to be a part of this holiday vacation wish for Queen, Chase and their families," said UnitedHealtcare of the Midwest President and CEO Steve C. Walli in the release.