Teachers and staff members at Central Manor Elementary enjoyed a special treat this week that was personally inspired by one of the school’s students.
They were eating Flan-tastic Cookies, made by the Taylor Chip Company in honor of Central Manor fourth-grader Ryley Nazario. Ryley is a Make-A-Wish Ambassador, and the cookie company wanted to make a cookie of her choice to support the organization.
When Taylor asked Ryley what her favorite dessert is, she immediately replied flan, “like my abuela makes” – a reference to the Dominican custard treat her grandmother regularly makes.
The cookie company got to work, creating a cookie made with caramel dough and vanilla egg custard filling with caramel drizzle. The Flan-tastic cookie are available only through June 6.
All sale proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the non-profit that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, providing them with unique experiences that can improve their well-being.
Ryley has Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting skull growth, and has undergone nearly 30 surgeries, with many more in her future. Despite that, her bright smile and strong spirit shine through at Central Manor.
“I don’t know how she does it, but she’s amazing,” her mother, Vanessa Nazario, said of Ryley. “We are very blessed to have that team of teachers at Central Manor. We call them the Penn Manor Angels.”
Central Manor principal Dr. Carly McPherson bought the Flan-tastic cookies for the staff and asked teachers to share photos, which were shared throughout the school.
“The photos say it all!” she said. “The teachers at Central Manor embraced the celebration of Ryley. She is a very special young lady, and we treasure our time with her.”
