Before her life-changing surgery more than two years ago, little Sandy Diaz couldn’t walk or even crawl because of a large lymphatic malformation affecting her neck and face.

When Sandy was born, she already had a softball-sized growth that 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝖼𝗄𝖾𝖽 her airway and threatened her health. Attempts to drain it and reduce it with injections were not enough, leading doctors to perform a complex surgery.

Her mother, Maricela Benitez, said all she wanted was for her daughter to have a “normal” life.

Now, Sandy is a bubbly 3-year-old who dreams of becoming a ballerina. She recently returned to Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital for a follow-up procedure to treat a few remaining cysts.

“My daughter is doing much better. It’s 95% good. I’m very happy with the outcome,” her mother said.

Sandy, one of seven siblings, now attends a special preschool where teachers and therapists are helping her catch up on skills she missed.

She still cannot swallow food and has difficulty pronouncing words because of a tracheostomy. For now, she receives nutrition through a feeding tube.

At her birthday last year, Sandy blew out her candles and danced — but couldn’t enjoy her cake.

“This year I want her to eat cake for her birthday,” her mother said. “I hope she can sit with all of us at the table and eat with us.”

Doctors say Sandy’s progress is right on track. Her original surgery took many hours, with specialists using advanced technology to carefully map her facial nerves and protect surrounding structures.

Her remaining cysts are now being treated with a medication called bleomycin to help prevent them from returning.

“I would love to see her walking, running, just taking clothes out of drawers and making a mess,” Dr. Teresa O. said.

Her mother’s biggest dream is to see Sandy grow up, study medicine and one day help other children — just as her doctors helped her.