KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Ava, an inspiring eight-year-old battling acute myeloblastic leukemia, always dreamed of becoming a scientist dedicated to keeping people healthy. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she experienced an unforgettable day at the University of Tennessee’s College of Pharmacy and the College of Nursing.
Ava didn’t hold back her personality throughout the day. Her mom, Shadricka Sawyer, shared that Ava is full of energy and has an amazing spirit. Many kids who spend so much time with doctors and nurses might shy away from medical careers, but Ava’s enthusiasm for science grew even stronger after her diagnosis. It has sparked a consistent passion for learning about health and medicine in her.
“It’s remarkable that a child so young wants to give back! Having gone through her own struggles, Ava understands just how important medical care can be for sick children. Her desire to contribute is heartwarming and truly inspirational,” Sawyer stated.
The excitement kicked off with Ava and her family rolling up to the UT College of Pharmacy in a stunning orange limousine. A warm welcome awaited her from enthusiastic students and staff. Wearing her brand-new lab coat, Ava teamed up with students to create a unique “medication” d “Wizard Whipped Cream,” conduct some exciting experiments, and even filled prescriptions for superstars like Batman and Bugs Bunny. As if that wasn’t enough, she also got hands-on with a Squishmallow patient while receiving some special surprises to support her future scientific endeavors.
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Ava arrives at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. -
Ava beams as she arrives at the university’s College of Pharmacy! -
Teamwork: Ava and UT student Ethan Hathcock concocting Wizard Whipped Cream. -
Ava collaborates with a pharmacy student to make magical concoctions. -
Ava explores a microscope, wrapping up her first Wish Day mission. -
Experiment time! Ava takes the lead on another mission with herbal potion. -
College of Pharmacy students cheer on Ava as she dives into her science project. -
Hands-on fun: Ava’s excitement during her experiment at the college. -
Ava’s engagement with pharmacy students ramping up for her next mission. -
Ava makes strides in her mission to fill prescriptions! -
Guidance: UT Pharmacist Nicholas Allen showing Ava the ropes of prescription filling. -
Hands-on help from Nicholas Allen while Ava manages prescription details. -
Excited 8-year-old Ava beams during her special Wish Day. -
Family moments: Ava and her parents embrace their special day together. -
Ava’s family is all smiles at UT Creamery! -
Sweet family time at UT Creamery with delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream.
To make Ava’s wish even more magical, the pharmacy students spent the week preparing fun activities they thought an adventurous eight-year-old would love. Student Ethan Hathcock recalls, “We thought, how about making cream or a fun formula? It’s not something people see every day, and mixing in some science with Diet Coke and Mentos is always a hit—everyone loves a big fizz!”
Ava summed up her big adventure by simply saying, “It’s amazing!” What an epic way to make her wish come true!
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The excitement continued as the family enjoyed mint chocolate chip ice cream at UT Creamery before heading over to the College of Nursing. Ava met Dean Victoria Niederhauser and nursing students who were eager to show her the ropes. Smokey the mascot waited to greet Ava and her family warmly.
Ava explored the world of nursing by charting patient information and learned about the responsibilities nurses carry. Donning scrubs, she practiced her nursing skills in one of the simulation rooms designed to resemble actual hospital settings. Cameras allowed her parents and Make-A-Wish staff to observe as Ava naturally took care of an infant mannequin and gathered vital signs for her Squishmallow patient.
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Ava’s journey continues at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing. -
Careful observations: Ava and Dean Niederhauser check on a simulation mannequin. -
Ava’s tender care involves training on how to administer oxygen—an essential nurse skill! -
Hands-on experience with nursing students as Ava interacts in a simulated hospital room. -
Practical learning: Ava fully immersed in her nursing training. -
Celebrating Ava’s skills—she receives a stethoscope and the title of “Volunteer Nurse.”
With support from technicians, Ava observed vital signs of her Squishmallow patient as they changed in real time, recording blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels. She diligently ensured proper care to assist her patient in becoming healthy again.
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At the end of her powerful Wish Day, Ava got a special surprise from Dean Niederhauser: her very own stethoscope and the well-deserved recognition as a “Volunteer Nurse.” What a fulfilling day filled with dreams coming true!
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