Published: August 02, 2008 11:51 pm      

Make-A-Wish grants local girl's longtime wish for a new pool

Christie Roberts, a local 13-year-old who suffers from a motor disorder called Ataxia, has long wished for a pool in her backyard. Now, thanks to the Meridian chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she's got one.

"It's one place, I think, where she doesn't feel intimidated because she doesn't have to worry about falling down," said Christie's father, Kevin Roberts. "She can be more like the other kids in a pool. It's a comfort zone."

Ataxia hinders Christie's motor skills, making it hard for her to do things like walking and writing, and impairing her hand-eye coordination.

"If she was out of the pool," Kevin said, "she would be sitting down watching the other kids play. In the pool, she can play, too."

The new pool and deck, provided by Jimmy Johnson of Jay's Pools, were unveiled Saturday as a complete surprise to Christie, who had been staying with her grandmother.

"She's a little overwhelmed right now," said Make-A-Wish Meridian chapter member, Brenda Golish.

The Mississippi Make-A-Wish Foundation grants about 70 to 80 wishes each year to children between the ages of two and 18 who suffer from a life-threatening illness or disease. Wishes cost the foundation an average of $5,000 each.

"We're really blessed that so many people help us with our fundraising," Brenda said.

The foundation finished granting Christie's wish just in time, with workers staying to complete the deck until 9 p.m. the night before the unveiling, and with the assistance of Christie's father and uncle. The foundation still plans to add landscaping around the pool.

"It's going to bring many hours and days of enjoyment to her," Kevin said of the new pool. "She just loves to swim."