4 minute read
Courageous Natalie Andrews' Dream Comes True
Courageous Natalie Andrews' Dream Comes True
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Vegreville resident Natalie Andrews was diagnosed with Desmoid Fibromatosis when she was in Grade Five. She is now a Grade 12 student at St. Mary’s Catholic High School who underwent a below-knee amputation.
According to the National Cancer Institute, Desmoid Fibromatosis is: “A type of soft tissue tumor that forms in fibrous (connective) tissue, usually in the arms, legs, or abdomen. It may also occur in the head and neck. Desmoid-type fibromatoses are usually benign (not cancer). They often recur (come back) after treatment and spread to nearby tissue, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. They may occur in adults or children. Also called aggressive fibromatosis and desmoid tumor.
In a press release from Make-A-Wish Canada, it is noted that when Natalie learned she qualified for a wish, she asked for her beloved truck to be restored including a new paint job and stereo system.
A surprise party with all her family and friends was presented to Natalie on May 9. At this time was the unveiling of the refurbishment of her vintage 1977 Dodge Adventurer half-ton truck at the company that restored it, Vegreville Auto Body Ltd.
The expression on Natalie’s face was of pure joy when she first saw her truck.
When asked what this meant to her, she responded, “I’ve always loved trucks and cars; especially vintage ones as they are nostalgic. I love the classic feel. When I saw my vehicle, I was so surprised! It was unreal! It was like a dream that became a reality.”
On how her life has been since she was first diagnosed. “I just learned to live with it because I had a lot of support from my family and friends. It is what it is. I learned to accept it. My life is so good now.
I am starting to plan my career and my life as an adult. I have now been accepted into a Natural Resource Compliance.”
Vegreville Auto Body Owner Myron Hayduk expressed that he wanted to be involved with this project because he shared a love of vintage vehicles with her. “I also had a critical illness and have been there. It makes me feel good to make a difference. I am impressed with Make-A-Wish because they have lighted up so many young people’s lives.”
Judy Maggs, an adopted grandmother from the heart, has been a next-door neighbour to Natalie’s family for 23 years. She mentioned that she saw Natalie grow up and that she means the world to her. She is so glad that all these people have been there for Natalie.
Jen Garden, Chapter Director for Make-A-Wish, commented that they grant wishes for kids from three to 17 years of age. “They have to have a doctor sign that they have a critical illness and they never had a wish before they qualify for a wish.
We had done vehicle refurbished wishes before but they are not as popular as trips. But we fund different wishes with older kids. We are not government funded so we rely on our communities to help fund these wishes from donations or by hosting their events.”
The press release also mentioned that Natalie's wish was one of the 300 waiting to be granted in Northern Alberta by Make-A-Wish. This year alone, we have already been able to grant 111 wishes. Natalie's wish unveiling is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the power of community coming together.
