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WOODS CROSS — Woods Cross High School has supported Make-A-Wish Utah for the last few years, and this year, one of the children they are helping support lives right in their community.
“If a child qualifies for a wish, then we grant their wish,” said Daniel Dudley, corporate and community manager for Make-A-Wish Utah.
What started out as a cold and high fever in Dec. 2014 led to Teagan Schaerrer being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia just two months later, according to her mother, Kristen Schaerrer.
More than a year later, and with another 13 months to go before her projected end date of chemotherapy, 3-year-old Teagan takes a chemotherapy pill daily. Currently, Kristen Schaerrer said her daughter is doing “really good.”
According to Make-A-Wish Utah, “From as far back as she can remember Teagan has loved princesses and roller coasters, so it is no surprise than when she learned she could make a wish, Teagan opted to visit the Florida theme parks. She and her sister are eager to meet all of the characters from their favorite movies and stories, but are particularly excited to see the characters from Frozen. This is Teagan’s all-time favorite movie.”
Last week, the school held events that raised money for Make-A-Wish, including a volleyball tournament and a school dance.
On Friday, the school hosted an assembly, and several Disney princesses showed up. Teagan loved the assembly.
“As soon as we walked in … the princesses were there, kinda eased her in, they played music for her and, of course, she wanted to dance … She thought it was so cool, she didn’t want to leave. She loved it,” Kristen Schaerrer said.
Dudley said the school incorporated Teagan and her family into almost all of the activities during the assembly. She got to play volleyball, dance with the princesses and interact with many high school students.
“The only thing that I would add is just how grateful we are to Woods Cross, to their student body,” Dudley said. “The children who are waiting for wishes, they live in our communities, and so to see the community truly unite around a wish child in order to grant not only her wish but other wishes is inspiring for us, and it allows us to do what we do, which is hopefully change these kids’ lives through the power of a wish.”
This is a video from today! You can hear the students chanting Teagans name it was awesome!!!
Posted by Teaming Up For Teagan on Friday, March 18, 2016
This isn’t the only time the community has reached out to help Teagan. Restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse and California Pizza Kitchen have also organized fundraisers for little Teagan.
Seeing the community’s help has made the family feel really good, Kristen Schaerrer said. She had to leave her job until Teagan is done with treatment, which “put a huge damper” on their financial situation.
A GoFundMe account* is open if community members and others are interested in donating. To donate, visit the website.
On average, Make-A-Wish Utah grants three wishes per week, according to director of development Kabi Catalano.
As a result of Woods Cross High School’s fundraising efforts, multiple children’s wishes will be granted through the local Make-A-Wish Foundation.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
