ATLANTA — One 21 year old's wish began as a simple act of kindness.
While facing regular chemotherapy treatments as she was battling Hodgkin's lymphoma at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Katie Smotherman formed a relationship with a girl who was also fighting childhood cancer.
That girl, who was full of courage and hope, was terrified of having her port accessed.
A port is a small disc made of plastic or metal about the size of a quarter that sits just under the skin. A soft thin tube called a catheter connects the port to a large vein. Chemotherapy medicine is administered through a special needle that fits into the port. Blood can also be drawn through the port.
Smotherman realized that if her friend had a treatment buddy with a port just like hers, she might not be so afraid. This was the start of Katie's Treatment Buddies, the cuddly bears that have ports in them.
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On Sunday, Smotherman's wish came true.
In celebration of World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish Georgia granted Smotherman's wish to expand her treatment buddies.
Smotherman thought she was coming to kick off Make-A-Wish Georgia's local #ArmWrestleChallenge and then distribute her bears to children at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
However, Make-A-Wish Georgia had big surprise in store for Smotherman. She wished for 40 Treatment Buddies, and instead got 2,400 bears to be distributed to other Make-A-Wish chapters across the country.
You can watch her reaction below:
Katie’s wish to give her buddies to kids with ports inspired a movement! With the help of UPS, #KatiesBuddies made their way to 17 states throughout the US. It was the BEST way to celebrate #WorldWishDay. This #WishAccomplished is music to our ears!! 😍💗👏🏼
Posted by Make-A-Wish Georgia on Monday, April 30, 2018
Katie's Wish Day is here!We are coming to you live from Katie’s Wish!
Posted by Make-A-Wish Georgia on Sunday, April 29, 2018
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