Littlefield High School raised $9000 over the last three years by auctioning off cakes. This week they used that money to send 4-year-old Ian on his dream trip.
Ian loves fish and cars so students and staff knew just how to treat him to a day of fun and a big surprise.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Ian. When his mom was pregnant, she found out he had a heart defect. He would undergo surgery just two days after he was born, and then again at five months old.
The procedure didn’t go as planned, and Ian suffered damage to his vocal chords and diaphragm. Doctor’s didn’t let him drink water or any liquid for three months.
Thankfully, he’s doing much better now and had a chance to hang out with the student in Littlefield who raised the money to send him on his trip.
Kaylee Edgemon, Student Council President, says, “It makes my heart like overwhelmed. I’m like overwhelmed with joy right now because I mean his family goes through so much. This is for them too you know… Of course Ian is our main focus, but the parents have to go through so much for him. So them just getting to take a break warms my heart that we were able to do this.”
The students knew Ian’s favorite things are fish and cars, and they let their imaginations go wild.
“As soon as we did find out what he liked, automatically that day we were cutting out fish getting ready to put fish on the walls,” said Edgemon.
Students set up a series of games for Ian to play. From a guessing game, to car racing and even fishing, before announcing his big trip to Dallas to see even bigger fish and a stay at the Great Wolf Lodge.
“It was pretty exciting. He’s so young, he didn’t really realize what he was getting. So he was unwrapping the big gift and I popped out. So he was like ‘oh yeah’ it’s just a kid. So it was fun. It was nice to know he’s getting the trip,” said Lane Coffman, member of the Student Council.
Ian’s parents can’t wait to watch him swim and go down slides. They were also overwhelmed with the creativity and thoughtfulness of these wildcats.
“I was really happy. It was good seeing him play with strangers that helped come together to raise that money for him. It was awesome,” said Alex Morin, Ian’s dad.
Hanging out with Ian also left a big impact on the students and teachers.
“It was amazing I think for the student body and everyone. Yes we were raising money for Make-A-Wish, I think actually having him there was like wow. This is the reason why we’re doing this. And so for future years, we’re going to remember that and it’s going to be passed down and it’s going to be awesome,” said Edgemon.
If you would like to get involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation give them a call at (806)785-9474.
