By Mary Pickels

Published: Monday, March 11, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Monday, March 11, 2013

Transported like the princess-for-a-day she wished to be, 9-year-old Kaeleigh Beregi arrived at Ferrante's Lakeview in Hempfield on Sunday in a horse-drawn carriage.

Dressed in a frilly white gown, her blonde hair in ringlets and topped with a tiara, Kaeleigh was greeted by costumed ballerinas and Disney princess characters.

The occasion was the fulfillment of a dream for Kaeleigh, granted by White Oak-based nonprofit Jamie's Dream Team.

Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 2, Kaeleigh conquered cancer and a subsequent brain tumor, said her mother, Laura Beregi of Greensburg.

In May 2011, she said, her daughter relapsed.

Escorted to a golden throne at the head table, Kaeleigh clung to her mother at first.

“If it sparkles, shines, glimmers, she loves it. The (carriage) ride was beautiful. She is a little overwhelmed at all of the attention,” Beregi said.

“This is absolutely fantastic. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen,” she said, as she looked around the room.

Kaeleigh's father, Tony Beregi of Harrison City, agreed.

“I can't believe it. They did such an amazing job, in such a short amount of time. They did great. I can't thank them enough,” he said.

Inside the banquet hall, the colors pink and purple ruled, from the balloons and streamers to a cake shaped like a castle.

Clowns twisted balloons into animals for delighted youngsters, who eagerly eyed up a table lined with bowls and bowls of candy.

The day's entertainment was scheduled to include a performance from Greensburg's Laurel Ballet.

In addition, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre donated a pair of ballet slippers to Kaeleigh.

Mary Pickels is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-5401.

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