Foundation makes Markland’s wish come true
Published 5:29 pm Friday, July 22, 2022
1 of 28
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher poses with the ETSU Men's basketabll team.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher with Make a Wish East TN President and CEO Garrett Wagley.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher gets some encouragement from ETSU's Jalen Haynes.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher goes head to head with Jalen Haynes on his new basketball court during his Make a Wish celebration.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi shoots one from downtown,
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi goes sky high for a layup on his new basketball goal.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Tammany Markland gives an interview on Levi's condition.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi talks to the press after receiving his new basketball court.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi poses with his family on his new basketball court courtesy of Make a Wish East TN and partners.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
(Back L-R) Garrett Wagley, Tammany Markland, Levi Fisher, Chad Markland with siblings pose for a pic on Levi's new basketball court.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
President and CEO of Make a Wish East TN Garrett Wagley (left) with Make a Wish recipient Levi Fisher.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher and Kayla Trachsel with SouthEast Industrial (left). Southeast provided the concrete construction of Levi's court.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher and Bristol Motor Speedway's David Rowe. David provided the paint work for Levi's basketball court.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
ETSU's Jeremy Gregory takes time to chat with Levi Fisher.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher shoots a layup on his new basketball court.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher goes for a slam dunk on his new half basketball court.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Brock Jancek and the rest of the ETSU Mens basketball team made it a special day for Make a Wish recipient Levi Fisher.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi gets a high five from Jalen Haynes.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi Fisher gets high fives from the ETSU womens team.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi checks out a gift bag from ETSU.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
Levi checks out some gifts from Make a Wish and ETSU.
Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
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.