Photo gallery: A K-State dream come true
At the Homecoming football game on Oct. 28, the K-State cheerleading team welcomed
a special guest to their squad to help cheer on the ’Cats.
15-year-old Shae of Ingalls, Kansas, daughter of K-State grad Audrey Maxwell ’03,
enjoyed a magical day in Manhattan, thanks to a nonprofit organization called Dream On 3, which is dedicated to making sports-themed dreams come true for children and young
adults, ages 5-21, who are living with life-altering conditions. Dream recipients
are given the opportunity to live out their ultimate sports dreams through customized
experiences with a favorite athlete, sporting event, or sports team.
“Shae's Dream Experience was perfect,” said Noelle Barlow, Senior Program Coordinator
and Shae's “Dream Leader.” “Shoutout to the K-State Cheer Team that really took her
under their wing and celebrated her all day on Saturday. Shae's favorite highlights
from the weekend were meeting Coach Snyder, being a part of the cheer time for the
entire day, being on the field for the game, seeing the brand-new volleyball facility,
and taking in all the excitement of Homecoming.”
Shae’s life-altering medical journey began when she woke up one day to a sharp pain
in her arms. She had experienced a spinal stroke, resulting in sudden paralysis from
her neck down. She spent three long months away from home at a children’s hospital
in Colorado. Considered a miracle, she has defied the odds and regained her ability
to walk.
According to Dream On 3, Shae has always held a deep love for K-State. The organization
helped fulfill her dream of sitting in box seats for a K-State football game, meeting
legendary retired coach Bill Snyder, and experiencing a day as a K-State cheerleader.
The weekend also included a tour of the K-State football facilities; a visit to Sunset
Zoo; trick-or-treating in Aggieville and watching the Homecoming parade; and attending
a K-State volleyball game.
