Stories of Light 2008

From January 15 – February 1, 2008, 14 of our wish recipients will be telling their wish stories on WSMV Channel 4’s More at Midday at 12:30 pm Central Time as part of our annual Stories of Light campaign. Each child’s story has been made possible through the generous support of many sponsors. 

We’re telling these Stories in order to (1) encourage families to contact us if they have a child with a life-threatening medical condition, and (2) to inspire Middle Tennesseans to give of their time, talents, or treasures to support our mission to grant a wish to every eligible child in Middle Tennessee.

The campaign concludes with our Celebration of Wishes, a gala celebrating all wish recipients, on February 1st, 2008, 7 to 9 pm at the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville.

For event information, or to make a gift that will make more wish Stories like these possible, go to A Celebration of Wishes. Any amount can help grant a wish!

For other ways to give or get involved click here.

 

Addison's Story (presented by Jamison)

Tuesday, January 15

 
     
Hendersonville’s 4-year-old Addison has met the challenges of months of treatment for leukemia – a process that prevented her from being in public places.  Most of all, she missed playing outside at public playgrounds.  One afternoon she came home to find her wish to play outside had come true.  In her backyard was a large play set with swings, a slide, and even her very own periscope.  Now Addison has her own place to play and is creating special memories with her friends and family.  

 

Eric's Story (presented by WSMV More at Midday)

Wednesday, January 16

 
     
Ten-year-old Eric of Cumberland Furnace has cancer, but he won’t let that define him.  Eric is known for his easy laugh and the ability to make others feel comfortable in any setting. These qualities came in handy as Eric began his wish to meet the New York Yankees.  Eric enjoyed a visit with Derek Jeter, a dugout tour and press box passes for the Yankees game against the Devil Rays.  The Yankees lost the game but it was still a day that he will always cherish.  

 

Angel's Story (presented by MTECC)

Thursday, January 17

 
     
Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Angel.  Angel?  Murfreesboro’s 6-year-old Angelina is a Princess and more.  Angelina was able to leave her blood disorder treatments behind and travel to Walt Disney World for a royal wish-filled vacation.  Not only did she meet her favorite characters Mickey and Minnie, but she enjoyed a royal tea party, thrilling rides, and the luxury of forgetting about her illness.  

 

Callie's Story (presented by WRQQ 92Q)

Friday, January 18

 
     
Brentwood’s 14-year-old Callie simply lights up a room when she enters.  This star-quality teen had one wish as she battled a rare blood disease: To Meet Miley Cyrus.  Callie and her family enjoyed an all-expense paid visit to Los Angeles for taping of Miley’s hit TV show, Hannah Montana. The highlight of the trip was Callie’s visit with Miley and Emily Ozment.  Callie, a talented jewelry crafter, gave Miley a necklace she had created as a special thank you gift for making her dream come true.     

 

Caitlyn's Story (presented by Bob Parks Realty)

Monday, January 21

 
     
Shelbyville’s 5-year-old Caitlyn has an unusual type of brain tumor.  Her Wish: To Be a Princess and Meet Cinderella. Shortly before her trip, Caitlyn had an MRI.  After her test, she said “I can’t be a pretty princess with my feeding tube in!”  So she got permission to go on her trip without it.  She wore her Cinderella dress to the castle and presented the princess with a drawing. Cinderella gave Caitlyn a big kiss before twirling her around for a dance.  

 

Shardai's Story (presented by MTECC)

Tuesday, January 22

 
     
Murfreesboro’s 15-year-old Shardai has EB, a rare skin disorder that causes severe blistering and pain.  Despite her health concerns, Shardai spreads joy wherever she goes.  For her wish, Shardai and her family traveled to Las Vegas to meet Criss Angel, an internationally acclaimed illusionist.  Shardai met Criss at a spectacular Vegas holiday party which was taped for a future episode of his television show Mindfreak.  Criss spent quality time autographing souvenirs and getting to know Shardai before inviting her back to Vegas anytime as his guest.  

 

Taylor's Story (presented by Famous Dave's)

Wednesday, January 23

 
     
Bigger and better is what 4-year-old Pleasant View’s Taylor asked for when identifying her wish.  Taylor loves to ride on her daddy’s boat but dreamed of an open air voyage on “boat bigger than my daddy’s”.  Through Make-A-Wish, Taylor and her family enjoyed a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas.  Each day she dressed in a Disney princess costume.  Mom Toni said “her once sick eyes were lit up like beams of light..we’re truly blessed by her wish.”  

 

Tasha's Story (presented by Frost Brown Todd)

Thursday, January 24

 
     
Rock Island’s 18-year-old Tasha Burks is an outgoing, high-spirited high school senior who lights up the room and makes everyone around her feel great. She has faced the challenges of lymphoma by living her motto: “Live, Laugh, Love”.  She adores all the Disney characters, so her wish to go to Disney World with her family was a natural.  Tasha’s wish was “a humbling and loving experience,” according to her mom.  “We can not give back what Give Kids the World and Make-A-Wish have given our child.”  

 

Collin's Story (presented by Summit Financial)

Friday, January 25

 
     
Ten-year-old Collin is challenged by cerebral palsy.  He loves parades and watches every parade on television each holiday season.  When asked to identify his wish Collin responded, “I want to be in a parade.”  In December 2005 Collin and his service dog Iber led Nashville’s annual holiday parade as Junior Grand Marshall.  One of his favorite recording artists Josh Turner, joined Collin in leading the way for gigantic balloons, marching bands, horses, a sleigh, and of course, Santa.  “I felt like a movie star,” Collin said of his wish.  

 

Quentin's Story (presented by Whole Foods)

Monday, January 28

 
     
Nothing daunts 12-year-old Quentin’s spirit, not even the “bad” days.  This Lebanon native has Spina Bifida and while he faces medical hurdles every day, emotionally he’s unbeatable.  Quinten took his enthusiasm to Disney World where he outshined even the grandest of Disney characters. According to Quinten’s mom this Make-A-Wish trip did more for the whole family than she anticipated.  “Disney was uplifting for us all. Sometimes when you carry a burden like we have it’s nice to have an outlet.”  

 

Aaron's Story (presented by WRQQ 97.1)

Tuesday, January 29

 
     
Murfreesboro’s 15-year-old Aaron has not let a brain tumor detract him from his dreams.  While some kids aspire to be teachers, doctors or professional athletes, Aaron aims to become a rock star!  To achieve his goal, this drummer wished for a place for his band, Kindergarten Circus, to practice. Make-A-Wish volunteers overhauled Aaron’s garage into a fully-operational recording studio. Now Aaron and his 70’s style rock band can get into the business of making records.   

 

Elise's Story (presented by Earl Swensson Associates)

Wednesday, January 30

 
     
When given the opportunity to make one wish, 12-year-old Elise only wished to give back to a hurricane-torn community. Elise has been through an uphill battle with leukemia, but last summer, Elise left the pain behind to give back to the Total Learning Center Daycare in Mississippi. Elise is grateful that she was able to combine her three favorite things for her wish: children, decorating and helping others. Her greatest joy was hanging out with the kids and giving them an incredible play space that they never would have had.   

 

Paige's Story (presented by WSMV More at Midday)

Thursday, January 31

 
     
A painful disease like Ewing’s Sarcoma might rob some people of joy but not Hermitage’s 17-year-old Paige. Her joy is found in sharing and performing Christian music with others. Through Make-A-Wish, Paige met with Nashville-based producer Jamie Kenny and recorded two Twila Paris songs. With her CD in hand Paige has since made guest appearances all over the country to entertain others and spread God’s love. These days Paige is busy songwriting, taking guitar lessons and, we hope, cutting another CD.  

 

Patrick's Story (presented by Jamison)

Friday, February 1

 
     
Clarksville’s 14-year-old Patrick has a refreshing slant on life—“take a day at a time and do the best you can.”  This healthy spirit may be just the reason Patrick is able to handle his bout with cancer.  This sports fan’s wish:  To Meet all-star Cardinal Albert Pujols.  And wishes do come true…Patrick and his family trip to St. Louis included a stadium tour, a visit to batting practice, time in the dugout with Albert and all the sights and sounds of St. Louis!