Published: March 18, 2008 06:35 pm            

Orange teen learns ‘Kid Wishes’ do come true

By Debby Schamber

The Orange Leader



A 16-year-old Orange girl recently discovered sometimes wishes do come true.

Liberty was contacted by officials with the Kids Wish Network to ask if she had any special wishes. Without hesitation the spirited teenager told them she wanted a stereo system. However, the foundation did not stop there, they also gathered shelving for the stereo, autographed CDs, and other miscellaneous items.

The big day recently arrived for Liberty to receive her stereo, but it didn’t come in a box.

Liberty was picked up in a limousine and taken to an electronics store in Beaumont where she picked out her stereo. She also had a girl’s time out with her mother, Christina Dehm.

“They really did a good job and lifted her spirits,” Dehm said.

Life hasn’t always been about dreams coming true. In fact, a nightmare unfolded in April 2007 for Liberty and her family when she was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. This type of soft tissue cancer is very rare and is extremely aggressive. Since Liberty’s diagnosis, doctor’s have performed surgery to remove the bottom muscle in her abdomen in addition to the tumor.

Since then doctors have continued to monitor her carefully. Every three months, Liberty undergoes CT scans, blood work and chest x-rays. “So far it looks good,” Dehm said.

Although, Dehm said they have been told the tumor will come back, Liberty does not let a life-threatening illness stop her from following her dreams. The Orange teen said she wants to one day become a veterinarian.

“She has a special gift with animals,” Dehm said. “She is always picking up strays.”

Liberty was able to receive the special attention from the Kids Wish Network after a neighbor told the family about the charity.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories and improving the quality of life for children.

Anyone who may know of a child between the ages of 3 to 18 years old who may be in need of wish granting services is asked to call 1-888-918-9004. For more information on the Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org.



Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com

        

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