A Wish Is Granted

Article by: Kimberly Boyd
Lots of smiles and shouts of joy rang through the air at Mansfield Elementary School yesterday, October 1st, when Angel Mounts was surprised with her wish from Make-A-Wish Mid-South. Students, teachers, family and friends gathered on the playground to make it all happen. With the help of others through donations, Make-A- Wish Foundation is able to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Mansfield third-grade teacher, Mrs. Spicer, encouraged Lawanda Mounts to refer Angel for a wish grant. When asked what type of wish Angel would want, Angel’s family knew she would simply just want to be able to play with her friends on the playground at her school. Make-A-Wish typically grants trips for most children’s wishes; however, Angel’s mother, Lawanda, said, “We asked them to consider something she would use much more with her peers.”

Make-A-Wish Mid-South grants a wish every 32 hours to a child diagnosed with a critical illness. There are four steps in making that wish happen. First, a referral must be made by a medical professional, parents, or children themselves. Next, a medical eligibility must be determined with the help of the treating physician. Then, one of the team members from Make-A-Wish travels to meet the child and find out what his or her one true wish would possibly be. Lastly, the wish granters schedule and plan the moment to make the wish come true. They work hard at creating a memorable experience for each child.
For Angel Mounts’ wish, Arkansas’ FBLA District 1 Senior Level Division sponsored the wish grant. They gave funds from their fundraisers from their annual projects to be able to purchase the swing for Angel. Radio station, KTCS 99.9 and DJs DC & Lil P, went live on Facebook, and the FBLA District 1 Seniors at the Senior High Fall Conference at the Fort Smith Convention Center were able to watch as Angel received her wish.
Angel Mounts was all smiles as her Mom and Dad gave her that first initial push in the swing.  She loved it.  Thanks to Make-A-Wish Mid-South and the FBLA District 1 Senior Level Division of Arkansas, Angel Mounts can now swing at recess just like the rest of her classmates!