Light-hearted story: David's wish comes true

David Peterman, left, rides a boogie board on a cruise ship during his wish that was fulfilled by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is a cancer survivor and is now a wish ambassador for the foundation.
(Submitted photo)

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David Peterman, 14, is a cancer survivor and a wish ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He'll be telling his story Wednesday as part of the foundation's three-week Stories of Light campaign.

The Stories of Light campaign, which kicks off tonight, is the foundation's attempt to encourage families, through local media, to contact Make A Wish if they have a child with a life-threatening medical condition and also to inspire Middle Tennesseans to give of their time, talents, or treasures to support the foundation's mission to grant a wish to every eligible area child.

"The average cost of a wish is $5,000, but any amount can help us grant a wish and provide hope, strength and joy to a child with a life-threatening illness," said Pat Ledford, the director of development and communications for the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

David's story

David, a student at Harris Middle School, was diagnosed with AML leukemia on March 8, 2007. After undergoing four chemotherapy treatments, each of which kept him in the hospital for months at a time, he has remained in remission for 16 months.

David was granted a wish by the foundation and on Oct. 5, 2008, he, along with his brother and his mother, a single mom, left for the cruise of a lifetime.

"David took a little while to decide his wish," said his mother, Donna Peterman. "He wanted to incorporate as many little wishes into one. He had never been on a plane, or a cruise ship, and had never experienced the scent of the ocean's water or the taste of its salt on his lips."

The cruise turned out to be everything David wished for, and more. A passionate skateboarder, David enjoyed surfing and riding a boogie board. Since he loves to cook, he also enjoyed touring the ship's galley.

"This cruise was absolutely amazing and much needed," said Donna. "I am thankful Make-A-Wish gave myself and my family a chance to unwind and live a little less bound to society for a few days. It was nice to just live."

Wish ambassador

Following the cruise, David was asked to be a wish ambassador to tell his story during the 13-day Stories of Lights campaign.

"Personally, I was happy he was asked to be an ambassador," Donna said. "He's a go-getter and I thought it would be good for him."

After all, Donna said, David, 13 at the time, fought his cancer fearlessly.

"David is a good-natured 13-year-old that really loves life and is very comedic," Donna said. "The diagnosis of cancer didn't set him back too much. In fact, he got in trouble by the doctors for riding his skateboard down the hospital wing halls with his IV pole in tow."

In preparing to tell his story on television Wednesday, David had a chance to practice for the spot in front of his class at Harris Middle School.

"He's very excited (to be on television)," Donna said. "Stories of Light has given him some material to prepare for it. He's ready."

The campaign

To educate people about Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Stories of Light campaign begins tonight at 6 p.m.

Ledford said the campaign kicks off at the Nashville City Conference Center.

Each of the 14 wish ambassadors will be joined by their story's sponsor representative (David Peterman's story is sponsored by Morton's Steakhouse in Nashville) for a special recognition and lighting ceremony at the conference center.

Two days later, the 14 ambassadors will make their television debuts on Channel 4's More at Midday.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you would like to make more wishes like David Peterman's come true, visit www.storiesoflight.net or call (888) 492-9474, Ext. 16.