Clintonville girl’s Make-A-Wish granted, meets Michael Phelps
ESPN is in the midst of their annual My Wish series. Each day they are featuring one young person having their Make-A-Wish request granted.
This week, the sports channel is featuring 16 year-old Hailey Cannaday of Clintonville. Hailey has been diagnosed with a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. She is on her school’s swim team and her wish was to meet Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. Her wish was granted earlier this month when she was flown to Colorado Springs to meet Phelps and hang out with him at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
“Athletes have the powerful ability to inspire today’s youth through their actions on and off the playing field. By helping grant wishes, athletes are using their significant influence for good and empowering wish kids to stay strong and optimistic along the way.”
– ESPN’s Chris Connelly
Other athletes taking part in this special series include the San Francisco 49ers, the WWE’s John Cena, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen, and Minnesota Lynx player Maya Moore.
“Make-A-Wish is grateful for Michael Phelps who provided Hailey and her family with an experience they will always cherish. When times are difficult, we hope Hailey and her family will remember the wish experience and feel a renewed sense of hope and optimism.”
– Doug Kelly, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana
Hailey’s story was featured Monday on SportsCenter. The network will also air a one-hour special this Thursday night highlighting Hailey’s wish and the other wishes included as part of the My Wish series.
Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana says that they alone have more than 800 children like Hailey hoping to have their wishes granted. This Saturday’s annual Walk For Wishes event aims to raise around $125,000 to help make those dreams come true. The event takes place at Arch Park (across from Nationwide Arena) at 10am. Registration begins at 9am. The family-friendly 1- or 3-mile (5K) walk will be followed by a finish line celebration with music, food and fun.
(jj)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
