Upon meeting Allie Walker, one immediately notices her outgoing, bubbly personality, respectful manner and striking features. She seems wise for an 8-year-old, a maturity hidden in her sparkling blue eyes-a feature she inherited from her father, she says. The precocious Overstreet Elementary third-grader enjoys art, cartoons and roller-coasters but dislikes studying English and snakes, all normal priorities for a child her age.
One big difference between Allie and most third-graders, however, is her disease, cystic fibrosis, a debilitating genetic disorder that affects over 30,000 children, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects mainly the lungs of children, but also affects the digestive tract,” Dr. Jimmy Stewart, assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University Medical Center in Jackson, said.
This disease also affects how children’s lungs work. “The gene that helps the organ clear secretions properly is defective, causing thick, sticky mucus to build up.” Those affected have chronic bacterial infections, as well as frequent pneumonia, said Stewart.
The mucus also affects how the body absorbs certain foods. “The mucus blocks the pancreas from producing enzymes to break down certain foods. For example, children with cystic fibrosis cannot absorb a lot of fat,” he added.
Allie’s chest hurts often, and she must cough up a lot of the mucus that is lodged in her lungs.
However, when talking to Allie, one does not notice the effects of her disease. She eagerly answers questions, acts silly, and laughs out loud when telling some of her favorite stories. “One of my doctors used to take care of a baby monkey,” she recounts, giggling at the thought.
But the harsh reality of life for Allie is that her existence is sometimes consumed by the severity of her disease. “I take 29 medicines. I have a whole cabinet,” Allie said. The vivacious youngster must also take oxygen at night, wear a mask in public places like Wal-Mart and school and stay in the hospital all too frequently.
“We just made a record-three months without being in the hospital,” Allie said. This fact may alarm some, but for families like the Walkers, hospital stays are part of the regular routine.
Allie also uses a special vest as part of her treatment program. “It shakes me around and breaks up the mucus. It helps a lot,” she said.
“She can’t do a lot of the things other kids can,” Allie’s mother, junior secondary education major Lisa Walker, said. Her daughter is unable to play sports and is allergic to animals and many foods, Lisa explained.
“We call her a miracle baby,” Lisa said.
Allie was born 13 weeks premature and weighed only 1 pound, 12 ounces at birth. “She stayed in the hospital for nine months before she could come home,” Lisa explained.
Lisa, a full-time student at MSU, has a tough time balancing the duties of student and mother. “It doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day. Between my homework, Allie’s homework, making supper, cleaning up, bath time and everything else, it’s a lot,” Lisa explained. In spite of life’s stresses, the mother still manages a 3.18 grade point average.
Allie’s father, Jack Walker, works on an onshore drilling rig, currently working a seven-days-on, seven-days-off schedule.
“It’s tough being away from her,” Jack said. “I took a cut of pay to work on land so that I could get back quickly if I need to.”
“He went six years without being able to come home for Christmas,” Lisa said. When he is home, Allie’s father is a big help, taking responsibility for many of the household duties and bonding with his daughter.
“When he’s home, he’s the king and I’m the queen,” Allie said.
Now, Allie will have the chance to be part of a real kindom-The Magic Kingdom.
The family will be admitted to the Magic Kingdom, MGM, Universal and Sea World. “We might even get to eat dinner with Shamoo,” Allie gushed.
From Oct. 26 to Oct. 31, Allie and her mother will visit the popular park with all flight, park ticket, hotel and food expenses paid. “We’re staying at a special resort just for Make-A-Wish children called Give Kids the World,” Lisa Walker said.
“I’m most excited about riding all the rides and eating as much as I want,” Allie exclaimed. “I can even have a sundae for breakfast if I want!” she excitedly explained.
Make-A-Wish also arranges other special treatment for their guests. “I get to skip all the lines,” Allie said, smiling widely.
She also has the opportunity to meet one-on-one with prominent Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, the couple she is most excited to see.
Make-A-Wish is an organization that grants wishes of children with life-threatening diseases. “In order to be eligible for a wish, a child must have a life expectancy of under 18,” Lisa regretfully explained.
The child will also have a special dinner at Cappe’s Steakhouse with 10 people of her choosing. At this dinner, Allie will be able to eat one of her favorite foods, steak, which she can only eat once a month, and she will also receive several presents.
The most surprising thing about this remarkable child is her positive outlook on life. She is confident, happy and strong, staring her disease right in the eye and moving past it.
“Life goes on, right, Allie?” Jack asked his daughter.
“Right, Dad,” Allie replied. The word defeat is not in her vocabulary.