“ I wish to go to Mississippi and help rebuild a day care center.”Elise , age 12
Middle Tennessee Chapter
Dozens of volunteers pitched in for Elise’s wish to clean, paint and redecorate the daycare’s walls.
There is a day care center in a small Mississippi Gulf Coast town where children celebrate their very special patron – Elise, a 12-year-old girl whose fondest wish was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® . Elise could have asked for a vacation, a computer, a celebrity visit or a horse. Instead, she wished to help children whose lives were turned upside down in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Elise was a happy, healthy girl who enjoyed school, sports and horseback riding until 2006, when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
While Elise was being treated, Hurricane Katrina was in the news. She learned that the storm damaged the Total Child Learning Center in Ocean Springs, Miss., affecting the lives of nearly 20 children ages 2-11. Elise thought to herself, “If the doctors can fix what’s wrong with me, maybe I can fix what’s wrong with this day care center.” A wish was born, and Make-A-Wish® volunteers immediately went to work.
When Elise and her family arrived in Mississippi, they were greeted by a crowd of well-wishers holding signs and balloons. But Elise was shocked and saddened by the devastation. So much of the town had not yet been rebuilt. She knew then she’d come to the right place to make her wish as meaningful as possible.
More than 100 volunteers contributed to work parties that stretched from Friday through Sunday. Elise laid linoleum and painted cubbies. Aided by the manager of the local Lowe’s, day care workers and volunteers from nearby Keesler Air Force Base, her reconstruction project took shape. Some of the day care’s children and their parents came to lend a hand. After the finishing touches were put on the work, Elise and her family were treated to some well-earned rest.
On Monday, the final day of Elise’s wish experience, she arrived at the center for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The kids were happy and excited – running around on their new floor, drawing on the cool chalkboard tables and trying on funny costumes.
Elise has vivid memories of the children – and they have not forgotten her kindness. They stay in touch, and the kids still talk about the girl with the brown curly hair and big smile who brought a huge measure of hope, strength and joy to their lives.
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Elise- You are amazing! You really know what life is about! THANK YOU
- Natalie Nichols 09/13/2009 20:56 -
You're a model for all of us, I admire your courage, people like you can change the world!
- lola 06/28/2009 20:58 -
Elise, you are one of a kind. I just know you will grow up to help many more people experience a better life. God bless you.
- Candace 06/11/2009 15:07 -
I think it's amazing that she wished to help others, when she could have wished for anything! (:
- Amber 06/01/2009 9:11 -
i read that story and tears covered my face, it takes such an angel of God to use their wish for others.. God bless you ,,
- amy 05/19/2009 22:12 -
Wow, Elise! I am so proud of you!! Your selflessness and generosity are an inspiration to everyone. Of all the stories I've read about, yours inspired me the most. I pray that you will soon be in permanent remission and that you will enjoy a long healthy happy life. You are a remarkable and very special young lady, and a role model to us all! God bless you and your family!!
- Annette B. 05/02/2009 15:12 -
Wow. I can't believe how generous Elise is. I was looking at the list of recent wishes and I saw one said "To help rebuild a day care center on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi." I was surprised and touched by this story. Then I found out it was in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. and TLC. Right down the road from where I live. I actually have a friend that works there and she loves working with the kids there. Thank you so much Elise for your generosity and help, so many people's lives were drastically effected in Katrina, but its people like you that effected it for the better. Thanks. :)
- Rachel 04/12/2009 14:23 -
What an UNSELFISH thing to do!!!! You are obviously an AMAZING YOUNG LADY!! Way to GO!! God Bless you!!!
- Erica 04/11/2009 18:19 -
Wow! That is amazing! Elise has an big heart full of love! It was great for her to help and bring happiness into the kids lives who have lost everything! Kudos on the wish!
- Tina 04/06/2009 16:12 -
Wow, Elise. Congradulations on all that you have accomplished throughout your wish granting and trip to Mississippi! This is such a selfless wish! You should be so proud of yourself!
- Erica 03/30/2009 6:58 -
My word-this was so sweet-it made me cry. What a splendid and thoughtless wish, Elise. God bless you!
- Lauren 03/24/2009 12:13 -
Elise, the world needs so many more people like you that puts everyone elses needs first. You are truly an inspiration to the rest of us! God Bless you!
- Dawna 10/25/2009 16:57 -
As i read this, i got shivers up my spine. This is someone everyone should model their lives after. What an inspirational girl.
- Alex 10/28/2009 16:34
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