4 year old Kayla was full of energy – she didn’t stop moving and playing till she absolutely had to. Her smile was infectious and she loved to make friends with people. Kayla had Downs Syndrome however, that’s not the reason she became a wish child with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of East Tennessee. She also had leukemia and her fight against this disease was what the volunteers and staff of the Foundation hoped to help her with. The Foundation often says that the physicians supply the medicine and the Foundation supplies the magic. It’s the magic of a wish that brings each child hope, strength and joy and that’s what Kayla’s wish brought her.

In Kayla’s case, it was decided that a number of toys that assisted her with her development and education would be the perfect gift for her. Kayla’s parents wanted to have the toys, children’s furniture and stereo donated to their daughter’s classroom as that’s where Kayla spent most of her time during the day. So that’s what the Foundation and Kayla’s volunteers arranged. When it was time to present Kayla with all of her presents, a fun-filled party was planned. Kayla, her family and friends all met at Hardee’s restaurant for a celebration of Kayla. Hardee’s put a welcome to Kayla on their marquee. There were huge gift-wrapped boxes with developmental toys and comfy children’s furniture in them, there were lots of balloons, and much to Kayla’s delight, a lovely princess cake for her to enjoy.

Of course, Kayla didn’t know the benefit these gifts would bring to her in school and to her fellow classmates. All she knew was that she had a fantastic time and felt like the star of the day!