Dickson Co. girl honored at Grand Ole Opry with surprise trip to Orlando
Amelia has faced a lifetime of medical challenges, including a traumatic brain injury and over 20 surgeries in 10 years.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - An 11-year-old girl from White Bluff, who lives with cerebral palsy, received the surprise of a lifetime when she was honored on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Amelia Cunningham’s family, including her sister and parents, was gifted an all-expenses-paid trip to Orlando’s top theme parks, courtesy of the national nonprofit Baking Memories 4 Kids.
Amelia, accompanied by her family, took a private tour of the Opry before stepping onto its iconic stage. That is where she learned that she’d soon be visiting Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and Legoland.
The nonprofit’s founder, Frank Squeo, shared the mission behind the organization, which funds trips for children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
“The biggest gift you can give is something that can never be taken away, doesn’t get old, doesn’t tarnish—memories,” Squeo said. “We bake cookies and give a family memories that they would never have if it wasn’t for this nonprofit.”
Baking Memories 4 Kids finances these trips through sales of homemade cookies baked by volunteers. Last weekend, hundreds of volunteers in New York baked 250,000 cookies from scratch, with proceeds directly funding the trips.
“Think about if you have a child and you know that your child doesn’t have many days left on the face of this earth, and a nonprofit like mine calls you up and says, ‘I’m going to give you something that nobody’s ever going to take away from you - memories,’” Squeo said.
Amelia’s mother, Kelly Cunningham, a teacher in Dickson County, said this opportunity means everything to their family.
“Our whole life has been doctors, therapies, surgeries, hospitals,” she said. “Being able to let them go and be kids and have fun is just amazing for us.”
Amelia has faced a lifetime of medical challenges, including a traumatic brain injury and over 20 surgeries in 10 years.
This past year has been particularly challenging for Amelia, who experienced seizures that further impacted her abilities. Despite these challenges, Kelly said both of her daughters have remained tenacious.
“I’m always caregiver, nurse, taxi driver, so to be able to just be mom is really special for myself, and just to see them having fun and doing something outside of these appointments,” she said.
Adding to the celebration, country singer Drew Baldridge performed a song for the family on the Opry stage. Local company, Precision Construction & Remodeling, also contributed to making the surprise possible.
Squeo emphasized the importance of supporting the organization, especially during the holiday season. He said he is feeling the pressure to sell the 5,000 available cookie containers to ensure the organization can continue providing these life-changing trips. He said he is hopeful that the community will rally behind the cause, allowing Baking Memories 4 Kids to continue creating unforgettable memories for families in need.
To support the nonprofit and bring joy to more families like the Cunninghams, visit BakingMemories4Kids.com.
Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.
