Thu, May 17, 2012

My Make-A-Wish Journey

By Gabby Severance and Cherri Crockett

Jan 20, 2012 12:00 am

A Wish Come True Photo:

Gabby Severance is seen here on horseback during a visit to Give Kids the World in Florida, during her wish vacation provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Give Kids the World)

The Family Photo:

Gabby Severance is seen here with her family during the Disney vacation they received through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. From left are: sister Isabelle, step-sister Jennifer, mom Holly, step-dad Jeff, Gabby, grandma Connie and brother Thomas. (Photo submitted by G. Severance)

Editor's Note: Gabby Severance was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in February of 2010 at the age of 14. She underwent surgery to remove the mass, followed by intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Citizens throughout the River Valley came together to raise funds to help alleviate the financial stress her family was experiencing and offer their love and faith to help give Gabby strength to beat the disease.
It was during this time that Gabby and her family began to learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the real life angels that donate their time and money to help children like herself. This is her Make-A-Wish story.

PERU- “My first reaction to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all they do was astonishment,” noted Gabby. “I couldn't believe what my wish granters were telling me. Connie (Bilodeau) and Janine (Young) smiled and then reassured me.”

Each year the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a minimum of one wish every five days, that's more than 50 young Maine souls, sick with disease, being granted their dream come true. In order to make a single wish come true, the Make-A-Wish Foundation needs to raise $6,000.

It's through the kindness of people like Bilodeau and Young that such special gifts of digging for dinosaur bones, visiting exotic lands or becoming princess for a day, can become a reality for these beautiful young souls.

“I was extremely curious and excited,” shared Gabby. “But, it still took me nearly a year to decide on exactly what I wanted to wish for. Many different ideas floated through my household during that time.

One of the original ideas had been to travel. I dreamed of visiting Hawaii, or seeing England. I then thought about cooking with Paula Deen, or laughing on The Ellen Show. After a while, I decided that I wanted to enjoy this opportunity with my entire family, which was a total of eight people. The next idea was Disney World. And, that one stuck.”

In the months leading up to the trip, Gabby and her family went through the procedures of preparing for the vacation together, while the Make-A-Wish Foundation was busy clearing Gabby's travel with her doctors and making sure they had all their bases covered for her safety and wellness.

As for Gabby's wish granters, Bilodeau and Young were excited for Gabby and as a fun reminder, they took it upon themselves to send her cards and other gifts to keep Gabby abreast of just how much time was left before her big adventure.

When this reporter inquired of Young, one of the wish granters, as to whether she knew of Gabby prior to donating funds for the wish, she replied, “I had seen posters for her benefit, but never knew Gabby before this. She's a sweet girl.”

On the day of the trip; Gabby, along with her mom, Holly, step-father, Jeffrey, sister, Isabelle, brother, Thomas, Jr., step-sister Jenny, grandmother, Connie and her father, Thomas were all picked up in a white limousine for their ride to the airport.
“It was just very cool,” noted Gabby. “I didn't believe it was actually time to go.”

“My journey to Disney World was filled with some great memories. I think the most memorable moment I had was on my 16^th birthday. My three siblings and I took a ride on this train at Give Kids the World. I felt that this was the most memorable moment because it proved to me that hard work pays off. The hard work in my situation was dealing with cancer. And, the paying off part was this trip to Disney with the people I love.”

“My brother, Thomas, said his most memorable moment was over at Universal Studios. When I asked him for a reason, his response was, 'All of the rides!' My sister, Isabelle, decided, after much thought, that her most memorable moment was the ride called the Tower of Terror. Her reason was because of its thrill. Jenny, my step-sister, thought that being there was her most memorable moment, and then finished with correcting herself, 'or moments!'.
“Jeffrey, my step-father, thought that his most memorable moment was seeing the electric show at Magic Kingdom. My dad, after a lot of thinking, settled on all of the fireworks that we got to see, as his memorable moment. My gram's most memorable moment was all of the cool rides that we found at Epcot. And, lastly, my mother's most memorable moment was the interesting adventures we found at Animal Kingdom and Sea World.”

A few days after Gabby and her family returned from Florida, she was invited to the Mollyockett Motel in Woodstock to receive a quilt made for her by Destiny Westleigh of Greenwood. She regaled the group with the fun and excitement that she experienced. All the while a smile remained across her face and she didn't fail to note how much fun her family had.

Gabby's wish of a dream vacation came true, but what was also extremely evident was the love she has for others. This reporter was told by Gabby's mom, Holly, that she has never stopped thinking of others throughout this whole ordeal.

As for Gabby's current diagnosis and medical status, she stated that she is still recovering from brain cancer and she has also been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. This additional diagnosis is treated medically, but is not life threatening. She also deals with short-term memory loss, which, she noted , “often causes frustration.”

Seeing Gabby with a constant smile on her face and always willing to talk to anyone who will take the time with her, one senses her positive attitude. When asked what she attributes this to, Gabby shared, “I have many motivations. The fact that I will get better and that I will be myself again is a big one for me. My mom is another big motivator. As well as my friends, teachers, and peers.”

Gabby wanted to thank everyone who has stood by her and has been so helpful to her over the last several months.

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