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Make-A-Wish sends local girl to Olympics
Posted at: 07/24/2012 6:09 PM
| Updated at: 07/24/2012 6:14 PM
By: Benita Zahn
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The collection of medals and ribbons attests to talent - but when you meet the owner of these honors, 17 year old Kelly Buyaskas, you can better understand the dedication and commitment it's taken. Kelly has cystic fibrosis.
Exercise keeps her lungs functioning. That's because Cystic Fibrosis - a genetic disease, causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs: strong lungs are better able to clear that mucus.
Kelly's dedication keeps her healthy- just one hospitalization this year.
While dreams of competing in the Olympics may have swum in her head, this year she's thrilled- instead, to be a spectator - courtesy of Make a wish.
But as Kelly's learned, Make a wish embraces not only children facing death - but those living with potentially life threatening diseases, like Kelly's. Thanks to donations, Make a wish is able to provide experiences like this - So along with her family it's off to London, Wednesday - for opening ceremonies - and some special treats.
As for the games, she'll be attending the swimming events, keeping a close eye on her team favorite, Rebecca Soni - who, like Kelly, swims the breast stroke.
Kelly will be bringing Olympic pins with her to trade .. courtesy former Olympian, Jeff Blatnick who visited the other day to give her some Olympic pointers.
Kelly's looking forward to being a Make a wish ambassador when she returns - and an even better swimmer.
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