KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An 8-year-old child will soon be able to swim with some dolphins over the weekend, with help from Make-A-Wish East Tennessee.
The nonprofit facilitates large gifts and special experiences for children with serious illnesses, hoping to change their lives. Sicilee Thomason has cystic fibrosis, which makes life harder for the young, competitive cheerleader.
Despite her diagnosis, she stays positive about cheerleading and looks forward to showing off her skills at it. She wished to swim with dolphins through Make-A-Wish East Tennessee. Over the weekend, she will have the chance to do exactly that — enjoying time away from East Tennessee and with her family.
She learned that her wish was granted on Monday, during a special event at an ice cream shop.
"I get to go swim with the dolphins, do some fun stuff," she said at Monday's send-off event.
She is also one of several children coaching WBIR anchors ahead of the summer Olympics. Thomason is coaching Heather Waliga and Abby Ham.