MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION VISITS JACKSON BOY

Brandon McArthur, son of B.J. and Lisa McArthur of Jackson, Mo., now knows that wishes can come true.

Brandon, who suffers from ataxia telangectasia (AT), is only expected to live to the age of 10. He is one of only 500 people in the United States diagnosed with the disease.

But through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Brandon received a new swimming pool and deck, along with a pizza party for his family and friends last Sunday afternoon.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation ensures that wishes are granted to children in the United States with terminal illnesses or life-threatening medical conditions creating the probability the child will no survive beyond their 18th year.

AT attacks the brain and affects the thinking processes, speech, coordination and walking. Brandon will most likely soon be confined to a wheelchair, so the deck and pool were installed with that in mind.

"It will help with his physical therapy and he just loves to swim," said Sharon Dryer, wish granter with Make-a-Wish Foundation. "Not even the cold water stopped him and the other kids from jumping in Sunday."

Brandon received a 24-foot round pool and deck. The pool was given at a discount to Make-A-Wish from Majestic Pools and Kasten Masonry in Jackson. The deck was built by Ty Metzger of Ty's Landscaping & Decking and includes a ramp for when he needs his wheelchair.

Five large pizzas were donated to the party by Mazzio's Pizza in Jackson and Make-A-Wish Foundation gave toys, towels and soda for the party. Twenty-seven adults and 17 children, including Brandon's sister Brittany, enjoyed themselves that day.