An 8-year-old girl battling brain cancer had a wish that got hundreds of people in Kansas City involved.
Volunteers showing up for #AmeliasWish - 8YO's make-a-wish to clean up KC pic.twitter.com/uuktdbcjxt
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) February 27, 2016
Her name is Amelia and working with the Make A Wish Foundation in Missouri, she wanted to clean up four local parks.
Who got involved?
- Local police
- Two fire engines
- Mayor Sly James
- Hundreds of volunteers
Meg Haw with Make A Wish said this is an unusual wish from such a young child.
A police escort and 3 other MO cities helping #AmeliasWish - incredible. Amelia is a celebrity! pic.twitter.com/fwWNgVEi5f
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) February 27, 2016
"She could've wished to go to Disney, she could've wished to go on a cruise or go to Europe, and her wish was to take care of the world for the day," Haw said. "I just can't tell you how much I wish other children would be this much of an inspiration."
#AmeliasWish is underway! @MakeAWishMO pic.twitter.com/xwH1pCPhAg
— Make-A-Wish America (@MakeAWish) February 27, 2016
It was dubbed #AmeliasWish and spread throughout the Kansas City community via social media. Her mom Jill was touched by the outpouring of support.
Check out the incredible #KC turnout for first stop of @MakeAWishMO 's #AmeliasWish
An amazing 8 year old! pic.twitter.com/5hPZfsxLeT— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) February 27, 2016
"With all of the excitement that's been around this wish and getting people involved and getting the word out there, it's helped us forget for a little bit. We didn't think it would go like this. We were hoping for 30 people at Swope Park picking up trash," Jill said. "It's a very, very hard time for us but to see this that this came out of that. My level of gratitude is unbelievable. My kid is so happy today and that's what it's about and that just thrills me beyond words."
Cleanup events are happening across the country for #AmeliasWish says @MakeAWishMO - STL, Springfield, beyond pic.twitter.com/WnRq0xcOfN
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) February 27, 2016
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Dia Wall can be reached at dia.wall@kshb.com.
