Wishes Do Come True
By Kathryn E. Eriksen

The exciting Country Thunder event during Memorial Day Weekend may have suffered from too much rain, but that could not dampen the spirit of an out-of-state teenager whose dream to meet Reba McIntyre came true.

Fourteen-year-old Cassie Bess is a cancer survivor who always wanted to meet her favorite country western singer. She received much more than her dream, however, when Just Believe became involved. Just Believe is located in LeFlore County, Oklahoma. The purpose of the organization is to grant wishes to children and adults who have life threatening illnesses. When she was just thirteen years old, Cassie was diagnosed with Stage Four, embryonic

carcinoma. Throughout her surgeries and chemotherapy, Cassie’s positive attitude and endearing personality enabled her to share her faith with her family, friends, fellow patients, and even the doctors and nurses who treated her.

Because of Cassie’s shining example and her sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, the members of Just Believe chose to make Cassie’s dream come true by granting her the wish to meet Reba McIntyre.

Cassie’s magical weekend began with a trip to the Allen Premium Outlet Malls, where Cassie’s dad Brian and mom Rene’ gave Cassie and her two sisters an allowance to shop. And shop they did! Next the family went to the Cinemark Theatre in Allen to see Pirates of the Caribbean at World’s End. Cassie received a press pass for the movie, as well as a replica of the bandana Captain Jack Sparrow wore in the movie, and a limited edition movie poster. She and her family sat in the best seats in the house – right in the middle of a sold out theatre!

The movie provided such thrilling excitement only a true Johnny Depp fan could appreciate. The movie was full of surprises, humor, suspense, and fun. When asked about the movie Cassie exclaimed “I LOVED IT! – It was hilarious.

Quality Inn provided complimentary accommodations for the Bess family in downtown Dallas, affording a tiny bit of relaxation in the midst of a very exciting weekend. During the course of the Bess family’s stay, several Poteau merchants surprised Cassie with special gifts, which was an unexpected and delightful surprise to the appreciative teen.

Saturday afternoon found the Bess family exploring the Dallas World Aquarium, allowing the Bess Family an entertaining glimpse into the wildlife exhibit of the Mundo Mayan Civilization in addition to observing many threatened and endangered species. Cassie laughingly explained that her favorite part of the Zoo was the monkeys, “They remind me of my sisters and my dog Peedles, always bouncing off the wall.”

Saturday night, Cassie’s storybook wish was fulfilled when she was introduced to Reba McIntyre as her special guest at the Meet and Greet before the concert. Cassie beamed when Reba threw her arms around her. Reba and the entire Country Thunder crew treated Cassie like a member of the royal family, even allowing she and her family on stage before the concert began.

Following the Meet and Greet, Cassie and her family were