LIFE EXPERIENCES TURN KELLETTS TO MAKE-A-WISH

Long before they knew anything about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Larry and Myrt Kellett were helping sick children.

Although the couple enjoyed a healthy business -- Kelpro Inc. in Sikeston -- and relatively healthy children, they watched some of their friends' children struggle with life-threatening diseases.

The Kelletts learned about the kind of support families with sick children need.

The most moving lesson, they said, was 15 years ago. Their church assigned them to help a little boy who required frequent trips to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Myrt Kellett drove the child and his family to Memphis several times, while her husband lent the parents emotional and financial support.

When the boy died, Kellett picked out the casket while his wife chose suitable clothes. The boy's family couldn't face the task.

Just a few years ago, Larry Kellett was talking with his insurance agent, Claude Old, who was then chairman of Make-A-Wish of Southeast Missouri. Old gave Kellett some literature and persuaded him to join the organization.

Make-A-Wish, Kellett said, provides positive experiences for families with sick children. Instead of focusing on life-threatening illness, the organization focuses on giving. Almost anything a sick child requests -- from a visit with actor Jason Priestly to an expensive computer system -- can be provided through Make-A-Wish.

The Kelletts quickly received training as "wish granters," people who help sick children get the things they want through Make-A-Wish. Now Kellett is regional chairman of the foundation's Springfield district and serves on the district's board of directors.

"You have to be compassionate to do this," Myrt Kellett said. "People can't grant wishes for their own glory. They have to be interested in others."

An 11-year-old Sikeston boy suffering from leukemia soon will receive a computer system through the Kelletts' wish granting.

The couple's business, Kelpro, opened in 1975. The metal fabrication factory makes basketball carts for Rawlings, Wilson and Spalding, handles for Snap-On toolboxes and chalk line markers for football fields and baseball diamonds.