An 11 year old Theinsville girl is on a special mission. Katie Wilson is not only an accomplished snowboarder, she's the kind of friend that anybody would want to have.
As the Badger State Winter Games enter their second weekend in and around the Wausau area, Wilson has been awarded the "Otto Breitenbach Spirit of the Games Award", which is given annually to an individual or group of individuals who embody the excitement and enthusiasm for sports and the Winter Games.
Wilson (pictured) is already an accomplished snowboarder and will be seeking a podium spot at the USA Snowboard Association National Championships in Colorado. But its her actions off the hill that has landed her the 2009 Spirit of the Games Award.
Wilson enrolled in a new school last fall and became friends with another girl (Gina) much like herself, one that likes to be physically active. After the fall semester, Wilson's friend Gina was diagnosed with cancer.
Katie wanted to do something to help and make her friend feel better. So she's calling on her snowboarding friends from across the country to help out. Following is Katie Wilson's appeal.
Hi everyone!
I have been very sad the last couple of days. My friend Gina, went to the doctor for a regular well-check-up and found out she has cancer. She has two tumors, one just above her heart and one pushing on her trachea. She has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It is very sad and scary to think she was at my house for a Halloween party and a few weeks later she has cancer. (she is only 11 just like me)
Gina is very brave, and is my hero. She tries to find smiles when she can. The one thing she is really worried about is losing her hair. She starts chemo today. As many of you know I make snowboard hats, and yes I am making her one…. but she is so sad and worried about how she is going to look after she looses her hair. Just one hat isn’t cool when you feel so yucky and lose your hair…… a girl needs CHOICES you know!
So I thought….. HEY…. Snowboarders have the BEST hats around! I want to make her smile and feel COOL again! So I need your help! I decided to start a hat drive for Gina! I am asking everyone I know to send me a hat. Gina is fighting for her life; I want her to feel cool and loved and not worry about her hair or how she looks. She is so pretty! So if you could help me withthe hats that would really cheer her up!
Thanks SOOOO much for helping me make her smile again.
XOXOXOX
Katie B. Wilson
To help Katie spread smiles, you can send a new hat to:
Katie B. Wilson
PO Box 731
Theinsville, WI 53092