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Make-A-Wish sends Jenison family to Rio to cheer on USA Women’s Gymnastics

Posted at 4:30 PM, Aug 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-08 16:30:50-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich –  A 12-year-old girl and her family are off on the trip of a lifetime, thanks to Make-A-Wish Michigan.

Kylie Wiers is a gymnast who loves chalk, leotards, and Team USA. So much so, she asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation to send her and her family to Rio de Janeiro to watch the United States Women’s Gymnastics Team compete for the gold.

Her favorite gymnast is USA’s Team Captain,  Aly Raisman. The Jenison cheerleading squad and family members surprised Kylie at Gerald R. Ford International Airport Monday morning before her flight.

“I didn’t expect all that,” Kylie said.

Kylie was born with a congenital heart defect that required surgery when she was just five months old. She doesn’t have any physical limitations now, but as she gets older, will need more surgery.

The Wiers’ entire trip is covered by Make-A-Wish, so the family can experience the sights and sounds of the games, worry-free.

“We’re already completely blown away by what they’ve done for us and we’re just getting started on this week. It’s going to be an amazing time” said Kylie’s Mom.

The Wiers will be in Rio for about a week.

If you’d like to grant wishes for local kids, visit Make-A-Wish Michigan.