Girls granted wishes after overcoming life threatening illnesses
Two West Tennessee girls surprised by Make-A-Wish Foundation
JACKSON, Tenn. — Kaylee thought her family was meeting at Jason’s Deli to celebrate her finishing her first 5k, but then singers from Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s production of Lion King Jr. gave her the surprise of her life.
“These people came in and they were singing around us,” said 16 year old Kaylee Troxell. “And I was like, ‘is this for a birthday party, like what’s going on?’ Then everyone was looking at me and my family members were tearing up and I was like, ‘what?’ I’m totally surprised I had no idea this was happening.”
“We were super excited when we were told we could help Kaylee with her Make-A-Wish were ready to do it,” said Loin King Jr cast member Jack Richardson.
Nearly three years after beating ovarian cancer, Kaylee’s father was brought to tears as the flash mob performed.
“Anybody that has gone through cancer with a child or a loved one,” said Steve Troxel. “There was a season where we didn’t know if she was going to make it.”
Kaylee says after winning her battle with cancer, volunteering at a cancer hospital in Africa was the next thing on her check list.
“I have been so blessed,” said Kaylee. “I just thought it would be be good to give back in some way.”
“Bring some gifts for them to have,” said Kaylee’s mother Sherry Troxel. “Maybe brighten their day up a little bit and kind of see what they have to experience there and love on them a little bit, that was her wish.”
Kaylee’s trip was funded by West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation employees who contributed to the “Willing to Help” campaign.
“We have employees that support Make-A-Wish through that campaign and so they were able to fund this wish,” said Vice President West Tennessee healthcare foundation Beth Koffman.
At Union University, the women of Chi Omega Sorority were also able to grant the wish of 3-year-old Aubrey, who is recovering from a kidney transplant.
After a scavenger hunt, this bundle of joy arrived at the house to learn about her pool. She even was given new swim gear.
“It’s nice because the community has helped us from day one,” said Aubrey’s father Josh Ferrell. “We wouldn’t be where we are at today without all the help from the community.”
Family friend Julie Farra says she was happy to donate her kidney to Aubrey. Her daughter is a member of Chi Omega so she was happy they could be apart of this wish and encourages more people give.
“I hope more people would consider being organ donors, for all the health reasons and the god that its done for Aubrey, it’s really a blessing to see people get better,” said kidney donor Julie Farrar.
“I think they were wanting something for her that she would be able to enjoy for year,” said Make-A-Wish volunteer Meagan Seratt. “So this way instead of going on a trip, shes going to be able to enjoy it for many years to come.”
According to Aubrey’s parents it may be a while before they take a splash in the pool.
“As soon as it warms up,” said Aubrey’s mother Janna Ferrell. “You know the crazy Tennessee weather.”
Chi-Omega was able to raise almost $6,000 for Aubrey’s above ground pool, which has already been installed at her home in Milan.
Kaylee, her older sister and their parents will leave for Africa in may.
These wish reveals were made possible by the Mid-South chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every year they grant wishes for more than 240 children with life threatening conditions. They have been able to grant almost 5,000 wishes since the 80.
