Make-A-Wish Surprises Student with Dream Trip

If you ask 16-year-old Andrew Creel the one place in the world he’d like to visit, he’ll tell you with certainty that it’s London.

The Mansfield High School sophomore is intrigued with the castles, towers and other historic landmarks.

He never knew if he’d be able to make the trip across the pond, though, because traveling has become much harder.

“Andrew was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 2,” explained Shana Creel, Andrew’s mother. “So over time, he loses his strength and ability to get around.”

Andrew (seated) posed with his parents and said
he can't wait to tour the Tower of London.

With the help of Make-A-Wish Foundation, Andrew’s dream was about to come true. The organization, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, coordinated with school officials and Andrew’s parents to hold a special surprise on campus.

When Andrew heard the news that he and his family would be leaving for London on Saturday, his eyes lit up in disbelief.

“Our hearts were in our throats just trying to keep it together without bawling—just to see how happy it has made him,” the mom described.

Make-A-Wish coordinators said these types of surprises make their job worthwhile, and making dreams come true is not just about magical moments.

“The wishes themselves are medically necessary,” said Make-A-Wish volunteer Dennis Baird. “The kids are responding to treatment better, the families are also responding and communities come together. We like to say that wishes aren’t just nice; they’re necessary.”

For the Creel family, it’s a trip they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

“This will more than likely be the last international trip that Andrew will be able to take,” said James Creel, Andrew’s dad, as he fought back tears. “It’ll be really special for us, and we thank Make-A-Wish for making this happen.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980. To date, more than 285,000 children in the United States and its territories have gotten their wish granted by the organization.

8-Year-Old Who Battled Leukemia Gets Disney World Wish Granted

Karsyn and her mom attended a classroom party after
the surprise trip was announced.

The first day of kindergarten can be stressful on parents, but those feelings were compounded for Wendy Eubank who found out on the same day that her 8-year-old daughter, Karsyn, had cancer.

“The doctors told us she had leukemia, and we just didn’t know what to think,” said Eubank. “It was extremely difficult to take in.”

The Tarver-Rendon Elementary School student was in the hospital for a majority of kindergarten and first grade. She returned in second grade, and finished her last round of treatment in January 2016.

Even while battling leukemia, Karsyn has always dreamed of going to Disney World. With the help of Make-A-Wish Foundation, that dream became a reality. Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children, ages 2 ½ to under 18 years, who have life-threatening medical conditions.

The second-grader was surprised at her school by her family and Cinderella on Friday.

“Here’s a little girl who has struggled and fought and has been so brave,” said Jamie Norwood, principal at Tarver-Rendon Elementary School. “We were all so excited that she got to come back to school. It’s a chance for her to have fun and not think about being sick.”

Karsyn was surprised by Cinderella at school.

Karsyn was a girl of few words when she was surprised with the trip, but she was able to describe how she felt: happy.

“It's been a three-year long journey,” Eubank added. “I am super excited to be able to go to Disney World because she’s wanted this forever. She’s my miracle kid, and you can’t even tell anything is wrong.”

Karsyn’s blood counts are stable now. She will have to undergo routine testing for 10 years to monitor her health. Eubank noted that the last few years have taught her a lot.

“I think positive and take it one day at a time,” said Eubank. “You learn what life’s really about and what’s important.”

The Eubanks plan to take their trip to Disney World in December. They thanked their family, friends, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the staff at Tarver-Rendon Elementary for all the support they have received.