CNE Makes Wish Come True for Hospital Patient
Author: Rhonda Hutchings
Date: 2005-10-31
Greg Pallez wanted to come to the Cherokee Casino •
Resort in Catoosa and play Texas Hold ‘Em. Cherokee
Nation Enterprises helped that wish come true Oct. 24.
It was all part of a program by the Oklahoma Blue Star
Mothers that grants wishes for terminal patients at
Claremore Veteran’s Hospital.
Pallez, 51, was greeted by cameras and CNE officials
when he arrived by limousine.
Barbara Porter, treasurer for the Blue Star Mothers
Chapter One and public relations spokesperson, said
Pallez was a bit “overwhelmed” but happy about all the
attention. It was to be a surprise, but just ten
minutes before the limousine arrived, a nurse popped
the news. It didn’t affect Pallez who was delighted to
hear his wish was coming true.
Accompanying him were Porter, Pallez’s daughter, Keline
Williams; Kelly Oaks, with Blue Star Mothers and Gaye
Beatt, Blue Star Mothers president.
“I’m proud that we could do this for him,” Weddell
said. “I’m glad we could honor his wish to play Texas
Hold ‘Em. It’s always good when we can do good things
for people.”
The
program, “Wish Upon A Blue Star,” is coordinated by the
Blue Star Mothers and Pallez was their first
participant. Porter said they will be given three names
from Claremore Veteran’s Hospital every quarter, each
with a wish to be granted.
Williams said her father used to have a chicken farm
in California. She moved him here to care for him when
he became ill. She said he was somewhat emotional but
excited about the whole thing.
“He really doesn’t like the attention but he’s so
thankful for what everyone got together to do for him,”
Williams said.
Next week, Pallez heads for Washington D.C. to a
Redskin game and will be presented a jacket signed by
the Redskins.
Meanwhile, the Blue Star Mothers will continue their
program honoring wishes.
“I’m so honored to be part of the Blue Star Mothers,”
said Oaks. “His daughter is really terrific, caring for
him. And we’re thankful to CNE for making this
possible. Everyone’s been wonderful.”
|
