On Friday, Nov. 4, Willow Wright wanted to pay a visit to her class at East Franklin Elementary School. What she didn’t know was waiting for her was a crowd of students and faculty lining the road with signs, balloons, and cards to wish her well.
East Franklin P.E. teachers Stephanie Braswell and Tiffany Padgett, and SRO Tom Pruett organized the surprise parade for Willow, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms Tumor. She has already undergone surgery to remove her right kidney, along with the tumor which measured nearly three inches in diameter. The Wright family will be traveling to Asheville as Willow began chemotherapy and radiation Nov. 7.
Members of the Macon County Sherriff’s Office and Franklin Fire Department ushered in the family and guest of honor. Cast members from Overlook Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast, Marshall the firedog and Chase the police pup from Paw Patrol and the Franklin Panther mascot all joined Willow in a victory lap, led by firetrucks and police cars. Students and teachers chanted for Willow as she made her way around the school hugging and high fiving her fellow classmates.
“We’re so very blessed,” said Willow’s mom Amber. “It’s incredible how the community has come together during this time and supported us. The love that they’ve shown for my kid has been outstanding.”