Harper Stephenson, 3, walked into the new Southern Arkansas University Association of Baptist Students’ facility Saturday afternoon to hear that her wish had been granted – she is going to Disney World.
Doctors at Arkansas Children’s Hospital discovered a large tumor in her right lung last spring. Thankfully, the tumor is not cancerous and will not spread, but Stephenson recently underwent a grueling 10-month stint of chemotherapy. She and her parents, Chad and Jai, will enjoy a much-needed weeklong vacation at Disney World during spring break. Once they hit the airport in Little Rock, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is taking care of all of their expenses.
Representatives were on hand from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Little Rock for the surprise reveal, along with a host of family and friends. The SAU cheerleaders were dressed as famous Disney characters and lined the front entrance of the ABS building. Several beauty queens from the area wore their crowns for the occasion.
Stephenson was overwhelmed with the greeting that was waiting on her, and her eyes sparkled as her parents, Chad and Jai, explained the significance of the surprise. Loved ones showered the guest of honor with bubbles and balloons as she shyly walked through the crowd.
After Stephenson sat with her grandparents and family to enjoy a cupcake, her shyness disappeared and she posed with the Disney characters for photos. Then Stephenson lit up the floor and everyone around her as she jumped and smiled and bounced balloons into the air as the cheerleaders all huddled around and played with her and her friends.
Chad Stephenson is the director of the Association of Baptist Students at SAU. Find out more about the SAU ABS at www.Facebook.com/ABS.SAU.
