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Make-A-Wish Alabama recently announced that an Andalusia resident’s wish for a room re-decoration will be granted with assistance from the community and others helping make the wish a reality.

Allie Stewart, 17, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2021. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Allie was diagnosed at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham and then referred to Make-A-Wish Alabama to receive a wish. Her wish was to have her bedroom at home redecorated.

“I chose to have my room redecorated because I wanted to improve the space I am in all the time. I look forward to my new bed and a space where I can feel good in as I continue to heal. I would like to thank my team at UAB for telling us about Make-A-Wish,” Allie said.

“Allie has always loved her ‘me’ time, and her bedroom is her place to do art or just relax,” Allie’s mother Sara Blocker added.

Her story began when she was first diagnosed with diabetes in March 2021.

“Since birth, Allie has had GI problems, and for years, we went to specialists in different states with no real answer for the symptoms she was having off and on. Allie’s life changed drastically when she received her diagnosis. It was almost as if a light switch had been flipped. Just as we were adjusting to her new lifestyle, we were completely caught off guard when a genetic test came back positive for cystic fibrosis. We would like to thank Kelli at Children’s Hospital for being her social worker,” Sara stated.

Before Allie received the news, she passed time by riding horses, which led to her love for animals. She is currently taking classes to complete her GED at LBW Community College and will finish in September. Her future plans are to earn her degree as a veterinary technician.

“Before I got sick, I enjoyed riding horses and want to get back to doing that when I’m better. I would like to work with animals in a vet clinic in the future. My dream is to have a lot of animals,” she said.

In addition to being an animal lover, Allie enjoys being in the kitchen.

“My daughter is very creative and loves to cook. She is an animal lover and has a golden doodle named June that is currently in training to be her service dog. Before she became sick, Allie rode horses and competed in Fairhope. Although she isn’t able to ride anymore, she still enjoys going to the barn and sitting with the horses. It’s her happy place,” Sara said.

Mr. Mattress and Home of Andalusia owner Jeffery Douglas became involved with Make-A-Wish three years ago and is among those helping make Allie’s wish come true.

“My niece Meredith was granted a wish, and it really touched me and led me to be a part of this great organization. I helped with a patient back in 2020 with a wish and loved seeing the smile on their face when their wish was granted,” Douglas said.

Douglas added that he is grateful to be a part of Allie’s room redecoration and loves giving back to Andalusia.

“I am just so thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of making Allie’s wish come true. She is an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with. This will always be my hometown and we have to support each other when we can. Our community has always been good to my family, so I will always be good to it.”

Make-A-Wish Vice President of Advancement Valerie Cunningham, who is also from Andalusia, took a special interest in Allie’s wish.

“I am so proud to be from Andalusia and have received so much support from my local family and friends over the years. I knew that the Andalusia community would want to help one of their own. In fact, Mr. Mattress and Home of Andalusia has partnered with Tempur-Pedic to donate over $10,000 worth of new furniture for Allie’s room re-do. I feel certain that other businesses and individuals in Covington County will want to be a part of making Allie’s wish come true,” Cunningham said.

An online fundraising page has been created so that donations can be made in Allie’s honor. Make-A-Wish Alabama will be purchasing other items needed for Allie’s room re-do such as bedding of her choosing, a reptile cage, a lamp and rug, and other décor items that will make the teen’s room the sanctuary in her home she is hoping for. To make a 100 percent tax-deductible gift, visit alabama.wish.org/allieswish. Skilled painters and volunteers are also needed to assemble furniture and decorate.

Allie is the daughter of Branden Stewart of Daphne, Alabama, and Sara Blocker of Andalusia. She has two younger siblings: Isabella, 13, and Caiden, 8.

Those who are interested in helping with making Allie’s wish come true or have additional questions may contact Cunningham at vcunningham@alabama.wish.org.

For more information about Make-A-Wish Alabama, visit alabama.wish.org.