MAKE-A-WISH MAKES WISH OF CAPE YOUTH COME TRUE

Nathan Wibbenmeyer's wish came true this fall thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The 10-year-old Cape Girardeau boy and his family traveled to an official NASCAR race, the Pepsi 400 held Oct. 17 in Orlando, Fla.

Nathan is fighting osteosarcoma, bone cancer, and is doing well. He is the son of Gary and Sue Wibbenmeyer.

Nathan first traveled to Florida in July to attend the Pepsi 400, but soon after the family arrived the race was canceled because of forest fires. The Make-A-Wish Foundation made arrangements for Nathan, his sisters and parents to return for the rescheduled race.

On race day Nathan and his family had a guided tour of the garage by NASCAR racing official Jeff Dowling. They observed the procedures crews must follow prior to each race. The teams fine-tuned engines and completed final inspections of the cars.

Adding to the excitement, Nathan's favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, won the race and captured the 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship.

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening diseases. Perryville residents Vickie Hoernig and Jannet Clifton with the foundation worked to make Nathan's wish come true.