Syracuse, NY - As she underwent 42 weeks of chemotherapy treatment to rid her body of skeletal muscle cancer, 10-year-old Ashley Hammond dreamed of when she would be well enough to meet the members of O-Town, her favorite boy band. Ten years later, the Cazenovia College senior is helping other children and families facing life-threatening medical conditions through an...
Cazenovia College student Ashley Hammond, right, helps Make-A-Wish recipient Rebecca Lloyd, 12, of Jamesville, with a fishing game at the first annual Wish Family Picnic in East Syracuse. Hammond was granted a wish at age 10, when she was diagnosed with skeletal muscular cancer. She beat the disease and is now interning at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York.Ten years later, the Cazenovia College senior is helping other children and families facing life-threatening medical conditions through an internship at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York.
Hammond started her internship at the foundation’s local chapter in May, but said the position is about more than just completing a requirement for graduation. Hammond helped organize the nonprofit’s first-ever Wish Family picnic, where families can meet and connect with the people who helped make their wishes come true.
“When I discovered an internship was required in my major, I knew I wanted to do it here, to help and give back for what they did for me,” said Hammond, who is studying business management.
Thursday’s event was also a celebration of the chapter’s 25th anniversary. Since its inception in 1985, the local foundation has fulfilled more than 1,212 wishes in 15 counties throughout the greater Central New York region.
Hammond’s wish began with a limousine ride from her home in Clinton to New York City, where she interviewed the members of O-Town at a photo shoot.
“We just hung out, sat on the couch and talked,” she said. “It was very casual, but it was obviously exciting. All girls dream of meeting their favorite boy band at that age.”
The four-day trip also included sightseeing and a Broadway play.
“It was nice to have something fun after everything,” she said. “It was celebration.”
Part of Hammond’s internship experience has been sharing her story with other “Wish Kids” and their families.
“For them to be able to see that I’m still doing well after all this time is a big thing,” she said.
Contact Alaina Potrikus at apotrikus@syracuse.com or 470-3252.