Bailey's Wish
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Bailey is a cheeky 15-year-old teenager who loves fast and loud cars. In fact, in Bailey’s opinion – the louder the better! When the engine revs, Bailey can’t get enough.
So, when Bailey’s wish came to the team at the end of last year, it was of course for his very own unique car experience and early 16th birthday celebration.
Bailey’s health was also fast deteriorating – so his wish was an urgent one. A whole team of Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers put the pedal to the metal to create and bring to life a wish to celebrate Bailey and the time he had left with his family.
Gold Coast branch volunteers Jess and Kate went above and beyond in capturing Bailey’s wish – gathering a great understanding of who he was and what he would respond to. With Jess and Kate unable to attend the wish itself (and in the spirit of superstar Wish Force collaboration) volunteers Laurie, Nick, Lee-Anne and Khara from three of our Brisbane branches put their hands up to come on board for Bailey’s big day!
In a race to get Bailey’s wish on track, the team got creative and decided to bring the racetrack to him. Michael from the Brisbane XR club immediately jumped on board and rallied 19 of Bailey’s favourite cars to do hot (yet sensibly slow) laps of the hospital as a private parade.
The big day arrived, with birthday presents delivered (many of which volunteer Laurie had received FOC from local businesses she approached) a special 16th cake, balloons and streamers, and big checkered race flags ready to wave for the car parade.
The parade began and the suite of race cars revved their engines, the loudest they had ever revved.
Bailey’s mum Anne said Bailey was so happy that he was laughing and shaking, giggling and high fiving everyone.
Nick and Lee-Anne were there to make it run smoothly on the ground, coordinating the timing of the cars and most importantly helping sing Bailey happy birthday!
What a huge team effort from our wonderful Gold Coast, Brisbane City North, Moreton Bay North and Moreton Bay South branches to make Bailey’s early birthday celebration happen. It was so incredible to see everyone give up their time and come together over the holiday break to make Bailey’s wish come true. Heartfelt thanks to you all. ❤
One of the car club members, Wendy, had written and framed this heartfelt poem for the family. A beautiful gesture that meant a lot to them:
Bailey, make your
Dreams come true
Today the XR club
Hope to follow through
We hope that we have
Driven the extra mile
To make you happy
& put a smile on your dial
Bailey, listen is it loud
Enough
Do they rumble
& sound real tough
Put your hands on the
Bonnett & feel
The thunderous vibrations,
Oh yes, it is real
Bailey this is happening,
It is not a dream
We hope that this makes
Your cheeks gleam
Your eyes sparkle
& your smile does widen
A wish a dream
That you were a riden
Click here for a story on Bailey which appeared on Sunrise in December 2022.
