Foundation makes Markland’s wish come true
Published 5:29 pm Friday, July 22, 2022
By Angela Cutrer
Levi Markland, 12, of Elizabethton, received something special on Friday: A wish come true.
On this special day, family, friends, supporters and well-wishers gathered to help Levi enjoy for the first time a new backyard basketball half-court, thanks to Make-A-Wish East Tennessee.
Also joining Levi were volunteers, community members and players from the East Tennessee State University men’s and women’s basketball teams.
“Levi is a fun and active boy who loves basketball and playing with friends,” said East Tennessee Make-A-Wish president and chief executive officer, Garrett Wagley. He added that the court has been made possible by ABC Supply Co., Inc., Southeast Industrial Construction and community volunteers.
Make-A-Wish East Tennessee grants wishes to children with critical conditions to provide hope, strength and joy, with the thought that wishes are medicine and can help children face treatment with a renewed commitment.
MAWET is but one of 59 chapters affiliated with Make-A-Wish America (MAWA), the foundation founded more than 40 years ago in Arizona. Now one of the most loved and trusted nonprofits, it has granted more than half a million wishes across the world to children facing life-threatening diseases.
During the organization’s 34-year history in East Tennessee, it has granted 1,750 wishes to children ages 2 1/2 to 18. “They make a tremendous difference in the lives of the wish kids, their families and the community,” Wagley said of the nonprofit.
