Make-A-Wish Alabama recently announced that an Andalusia resident’s wish to have an interior renovation will be fulfilled with help from the community as well as other individuals making the dream a reality.
Allie Stewart, 17, was diagnosed with cystic Fibrosis in 2021. Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive genetic disorder that can affect the pancreas, lungs as well as other organs. Allie had been diagnosed by the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham and was then referred to Make-Awish Alabama to be granted wishes. The wish she had was to have her bedroom renovated.
“I am glad I decided to remodel my room as I wanted to enhance my space every day. I am looking for having a new bedroom and space that I feel comfortable in while I recover. I’d like to express my gratitude to my colleagues at UAB for letting us know about Make-A-Wish.” Allie said.
“Allie has always enjoyed her time with herself, as well as her room is where she can go to create art or simply unwind,” Allie’s mother Sara Blocker said.
The journey began after she was diagnosed with diabetes in March 2021.
“Since the day she was born, Allie has had GI issues, and for many years, we visited specialists from different states, but with no solution to the symptoms she was experiencing frequently. The way that Allie’s life was changed dramatically after she was diagnosed. It was as if an on-off switch had been turned on. As we were making the transition to her new life and lifestyle, we were surprised when an genetic test showed with a positive result for cystic fibrosis. We’d like to thank Kelli at the Children’s Hospital for being her social employee,” Sara stated.
Before Allie got her news of the death, she spent her time by riding horses which sparked her love for animals. She is currently enrolled to finish the GED through LBW Community College and will complete her studies in September. She plans to pursue a degree as a veterinarian technician.
“Before I fell ill I was a horse lover and I would like to return to it once I’m back. I’d like to work with animals at the vet’s clinic in the near future. My goal is to own lots of pets,” she said.
Apart from being a lover of animals, Allie enjoys being in the kitchen.
“My daughter is extremely creative and loves cooking. She is a lover of animals and has the golden doodle June who is currently training to become their service dog. Before her illness, Allie rode horses and took part in competitions at Fairhope. While she’s not able in her riding, she likes going to the stable and sitting in the horse’s stall. It’s a place where she feels happy,” Sara said.
The Mr. Mattress and Home of Andalusia owner Jeffery Douglas was involved in Make-A-Wish in the past three years and is one of those who has helped to make Allie’s dream come true.
“My cousin Meredith was granted the wish of her life which really moved me and prompted me to join of this wonderful organisation. I was able to assist one patient in 2020, with wishes and was thrilled to see the joy on their faces when their wish was granted” Douglas said.
Douglas stated that he’s happy to be a part of the room’s redecoration and enjoys helping out Andalusia.
“I am truly grateful that I have the privilege of being just a small part in helping to make Allie’s dream come true. She’s an inspiration for all she meets. It will always be my home town and we must support one another whenever we can. The community we live in has been a blessing to my family, and I will remain loyal to it.”
Make-A-Wish Vice-President of Advancement Valerie Cunningham, who is also from Andalusia and took an especially keen concern in the wish of Allie.
“I am so happy to be a native of Andalusia and have received lots of help from my family and friends throughout the many years. I was aware I could count on people in the Andalusia community would be willing to support an individual of their own. In fact it is true that Mr. Mattress and Home of Andalusia has teamed up with Tempur-Pedic to give away more than $10,000 worth of furniture to help with the room renovation. I am certain that other individuals and businesses who live in Covington County will be eager to join in the fulfillment of Allie’s wishes,” Cunningham said.
A fundraising website was created to allow donors can make donations in her honor. Make-A-Wish Alabama will also be buying other items for the room renovation, including bedding of her choice as well as a reptile enclosure, a rug and lamp as well as other items for decor that will help make her space the perfect home she’s wishing for. To make a 100 percent tax-deductible gift, visit alabama.wish.org/allieswish. Highly skilled artists and volunteers are needed to put together furniture and to decorate.
Allie is daughter to Branden Stewart of Daphne, Alabama along with Sara Blocker of Andalusia. Her younger brothers are Isabella 13 and Caiden 8.
Those who are interested in helping with making Allie’s wish come true or have additional questions may contact Cunningham at vcunningham@alabama.wish.org.
For more information on Make-A-Wish Alabama go to alabama.wish.org.
The story Make-A-Wish Alabama provides a local child with a room makeover was originally published at The Andalusia Star-News.
