Top: Receiving full VIP treatment, the Hightower family has their pictures taken with their favorite characters at Universal Studios. Bottom: Mickey and Minnie Mouse extend a warm welcome to the Hightower brothers, Aaron (left) and Blake (right).

Wishes Come True

Posted January 30, 2012

EVERY NIGHT BEFORE BED, Evan and Belinda Hightower of McComb, Miss., help their 10-year-old son Aaron with stretches to try to keep his muscles and tendons as supple as possible. It’s not easy. Aaron has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an aggressive form of muscle degeneration that impairs mobility and motor skills even more quickly than other forms of muscular dystrophy. For Aaron's older brother, Blake, who is 16 and also has Duchenne's, the nightly stretching routines are a thing of the past. His muscles have already contracted so much it's too painful.

The circumstances around living with Duchenne's are an undeniable part of the family's daily routines. As young children, the boys could walk, but the disease has since robbed them of muscle strength in their legs, and they have adapted to getting around in power chairs. They have adapted in other ways, as well, and help each other out. Blake gives Aaron tips on how to work around some of the obstacles the disease creates, while Aaron has more strength at this stage and can help his brother with things Blake can't do anymore.

Through it all, the Hightowers are quiet examples of living graciously in the face of adversity.

Blake received his diagnosis at 17 months. Though Duchenne's is a genetic disease, the Hightowers had no prior idea that Belinda was a silent carrier. They'd never even heard of it. When Belinda was pregnant with Aaron, there was a 50 percent chance he would also inherit the gene, but while his early development gave them hope that he hadn’t, eventual testing confirmed their worst fears. Unless a cure is found in their lifetime, the boys might not survive their early 20s.

"It wasn't easy coping with the diagnosis, when we first started learning about the disease and all the things that could happen -- and will happen -- later in life," Evan says. "That will floor you. But we realized there wasn't anything we could change, and we just accepted it."

For the Hightowers, acceptance is about embracing the present. Their pediatrician suggested they contact the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions, on behalf of Blake. Evan and Belinda talked to him about what dream he might like to have fulfilled. They encouraged him to think beyond a new computer or another cool gadget he might quickly lose interest in, so he did. One of his favorite shows is “Overhaulin’” on TLC. He knew something his parents never could arrange on their own would be a trip to Los Angeles to meet Chip Foose, the world-renowned automobile designer and star of the popular show. They flew out, and Foose gave the whole family, including Aaron, a personal tour of his car-design studio. While they were there, they also were invited to see Jay Leno’s private collection of custom cars. Meanwhile, Chip gave Blake -- who loves to draw car designs himself – and Aaron one-on-one lessons, and both boys left with their own personalized Chip Foose car drawings.

But it was another stop on the trip that caught his little brother's attention. Since they were close by they visited Disneyland, but they only had time to spend one day there, giving Aaron an idea. He already knew he was eligible for his own wish, and after seeing Disneyland, he decided he wanted to see Walt Disney World next — and not just for one day, but a full week. The works.

So last November, Aaron learned that he would be going to Disney World — and would receive a special sendoff, too. Because the Brookhaven branch of Regions Bank had won a contest to see which Mississippi branch could raise the most money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, associates there had the honor of throwing a party for a local child being granted his wish. When the child turned out to be Aaron, they decided on a Disney-themed party complete with food, cake, and gift cards to a local games store so the boys could stock up on new games for the trip down to Orlando.

“It was worth every penny to see the look on their faces,” Branch Manager Russell Lewis says. He explains that he and his colleagues were inspired by the courage shown by a family with two children facing life-threatening conditions.

"Often I think we take things for granted, especially those of us with kids. I feel like I’m always complaining about things like my kids having a sporting event every night, but when you get involved with a family such as the Hightowers and see some of the challenges of their day-to-day life, it puts things in perspective."

The Hightowers took off for Florida a few days following the party. They stayed at a resort near Disney World called Give Kids the World, which was created specially for kids facing life-threatening illnesses and where the hospitality includes nightly visits from favorite fictional characters to tuck the kids in bed. They spent the whirlwind week visiting Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Island Adventure, and Sea World. In trying to see it all, Evan jokes that the boys had a distinct advantage over their parents—with their power chairs, they could go everywhere and not get tired.

It could be bittersweet, experiencing these wonderful moments while knowing the gifts were inspired by the fact of their debilitating conditions. But not for the kids, Belinda says.

"They just look at these as once-in-a-lifetime events people graciously offered," Belinda says. "They were excited about going, not wrapped in how they got the trips. As parents, we know exactly how it came together, but that makes it that much more special. We are thankful we get to see their dreams come true in this short time."

comments (50)

This was very moving. I had to grab a Kleenex! Very sweet and humbling.

Dena Klobe

There are really no words. Wow... What a great story!

Lee Drake

I admire the strength of this mother. Being one myself, I can only imagine what she must feel. She is an inspiration!

Tabitha Laisney

May God guide them and bless them. The love they have for each other makes it easier for them all.

Rose Marie Greeson

Wow!!! Makes you look at your life and how thankful and blessed I am to have 2 healthy children. We take life and our health for granted way to much!! Mr and Mrs Hightower take each day that is given them with their boys and just do what has to be done. I hope and pray that they will find a cure for this horrible disease. Way to go Brookhaven Branch for making a little boys dream come true!!!!!!

Amy Hardyman

This brought so much tears to my eyes. We should be very thankful each and every day of our lives. I lift my hat to the parents of these boys!! keep the faith.

Beverley A.

Their story really touched my heart and fills it with appreciation for what I have. Thank you for sharing.

Michelle Blush

This is so wonderful! We have granted a few wishes here in the West Tennessee market as well, and it is always a blessing. Also, Make-a-Wish is the national philanthropy for my sorority, and I got to grant wishes in college as well!

Amy M.

It is amazing to see the grace with which they handle adversity. Really puts things in perspective!

Gwen Cole

What a wonderful story! A big thanks to the branch for working so hard to give these boys a life time of memories.

Deb

My nephew has Duchenne! This was so touching! He just turned 7 on Tuesday and with every birthday it gets harder and harder.

Mallory Rutan

Kudos to the Brookhaven Branch!!!!! They certainly are "Making Life Better" for those young men! Outstanding and so moving!

Alisha Barone

This is a very touching story. I have a niece that has CP and is experiencing loss of brain function slowly. This gives me a great idea to contact the Make a Wish Foundation for her to have her wish granted as we have been told that children in her condition sometimes do not live to be more that 20 as well. I think it would be a blessing for her to have a wish granted for her so that she knows how special she is and that she has touched so many hearts and lives along the way. Thanks for sharing this touching story!!!

Crystal Bowlin

What a wonderful story of sacrifice and perseverance. Reminded me that often take for granted the blessings of healthy children. I know the Brookhaven Branch's participation in sending off this deserving family with a party blessed them too. Makes me proud of our associates and bank!

Debbie Nail

Awesome Story!!

Ms Pam

Awesome Story!! This has brought tears to my eyes and joy in my heart. Times like these will bring great memories to last forever. I see the good in all those who made this happen from Brookhaven Branch!! I see the good in the parents of Aaron & Blake, Stay strong. It is simply wonderful to see the excitement on the Hightower brothers faces. My wish is that God will continue to surround this family with his Angels.

Ms. Pam

As a parent and grandparent we sometimes forget how blessed we are that we have healthy children. To this family my prayers are with them and to this branch WAHOO great job!

Carla Hulion

God is Good

Dot

It touched my heart. It just shows us that God has our back in everything we do.He is watching theres too.

Sara clark

What a inspiring story one we all can learn something from. No matter what the problem is if you work together as a family put your trust in God you will make it. Make us all appreciate life. Wonderful story God Bless that Family.

Resheda M

I had my wish granted to me by the Make-A-Wish-Foundation while battling cancer when I was a teenager and it was an amazing time for me and my family. I want to Thank those branches that participated in this because the Make-A-Wish-Foundation is an incredible foundation and you see the impact they have!!

M Rhoads

I have two healthy children that are grown and one grandaughter, 19 months. My grandaughter has down syndrome. I admire my son's strength and abliity to take care of her. It's been a real struggle cause she also has acid reflux. It's quite an ordeal feeding her and then hoping it stays down. My hats are off to all parents of special needs children. Going to see mine in TN soon. Thanks for sharing this story, it was very moving.

Rita

Thank you for sharing the Hightower's story. They are facing many obstacles, but doing so with such love and acceptance. Stories like this make me more grateful for the health of my children.

Geri Hardy

Just inspiring..... No words for how moving this story is. WOW

Leonard Smith

This was a beautiful story. When we feel like we want to complain then we should just read this story. Things we take for grant other people can't even accomplish. Be thankful for your blessing.

Michelle

This is so close to home for me. My nephew has cerebral palsy and at 21 years old, life sure has its challenges. Be thankful for your health each day. May God Bless this family.

Susan Hendry

very touching

B owens

Thanks for sharing this story. Reminds us to be thankful and slow down to take some time for each other. Thoughts and prayers for this family. Thanks to our associates for making a difference in this families life.

Carol

I know this family and they are a blessing. I have watched these boys grow up and they make the best out of life. Thanks Russ and Brookhaven for helping their dreams come true.

Cynthia

That is such a true statement the branch manager made. We often do take our kids sporting events for granted. My hat is tipped to the Hightowers because I can only imagine their daily sporting events. This is such a "Put you life into perspective" story. God is able.

S. Miles

This family has gone through so much. They sound like wonderful people to get to know. I truly enjoyed hearing how the brothers help one another out through different challenges. Thank you for sharing.

Stacey Barnhart

I thank God for such caring associates. I am proud to be a part of the whole team. This story is so heartwarming. We all need to be thankful for our blessings. But when you are able to be a part of making someone else happy, that is a heavenly reward too.

Myrna Richey

Heartwarming! Awesome!!! It is so inspiring to read about people being kind to each other. Kindness goes a long way! It makes dreams come true!

Courtney R. McCollins

This is a very moving story. My heart goes out to the Hightower family. May God bless them.

Mary Elise Anderson

Excellent example of "Put people first". Thanks to the branch. It is nice to know it is not all about business. And to the parents, thank you for the continued love you are showing your children. You set a fine example for parents with overwhelming circumstances.

Pauline Powell/ Ms P

Very touching. Just a beautiful story!

Latreice P.

What a wonderful story! God bless those boys and their family. God truly does take care of us every minute.

Charlotte

This is a wonderful story, I greatly admire the Brookhaven Branch and all the employees that helped make wishes come true for these 2 wonderful boys. It reminds one that we need to look at our priorities from time to time.

Sandy

I've often heard it said that there is a special place in Heaven for special needs children and their caregivers and this story reminded me of that saying.

Tammie

We are all special in God's eyesight!!! We all should live each day, as if it were our last.

Patricia Waldrop

Good Job Brookhaven for making dreams come true. A good and touching story.

Jessica Walker

What a story! I am a Mother of 2 very healthy sons that I admit I have taken that fact for granted. Again great story.

Dorothy Scott

I will keep this family in my prayers. The strength of these parents is admirable.

Sherry Sabic

Kudos to Brookhaven for truly making life better and blessing this family.

patricia james

WOW!!!..WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY. May God blessed you and your family.

khaliah love

Sniff Sniff!!! This story really touched me..I have two healthy litttle boys of my own. I know that I have been blessed beyond all measure. I admire the Hightower parents and my prayers go out to them and their kids. Not only do dreams come true but miracles still take place. Great job to the Brookhaven Branch for the work to make help these boys have the time of their lives.

Amanda Ray

I can relate to this story personally. I greatly appreciate the family sharing their story. My nephew, who is now 7 years old, suffers from this same condition. He is still walking at this point but struggles to do so daily. I am inspired by the parent’s courage. I am proud to say I work for Regions Bank; this story is just one of many of the reasons why.

Mickenzi Potts

Wonderful Story. So nice to see Regions apart of this wonderful send off for a deserving family.

Misty

This just shows us we should all be thankful everyday for our family, we never know what may happen. This was a heart tugging store. I greatly admire the Hightowers.

Jean H

A beautiful tribute to a family that deserves more then a trip from Coast to Coast. When I imagine the trials that this family as those like them face on a moment to moment bases it inspires me to do more. I am thankful for the relationship I so often take for granted have with my boys and will never again grumble at a football practice or a late night game, or might think twice before I tell them to quit running through the house. As a parent I know the love these folks feel for Blake and Aaron, hug and love them, and keep them close. Wow...just love each other. Kleenex please.....

Christine Jenkins