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Rockne with his sister Zoe and brother Brody |
On Mother’s Day, my wife and I attended the 26
th annual Make A Wish Truck Convoy held in Lancaster County, PA. This event is one of the biggest convoys in the country.
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Rockne talking to another child in the neighboring truck before the convoy started |
We had beautiful weather as it was warm and sunny. The event included clowns, dressed characters, games, prizes, bands and plenty of food. All proceeds from the day go to the Make A Wish foundation. This year’s event drew 380 trucks which each made a donation. They had 45 more trucks than last year. The auction raised $22,000 which was an increase of $5,000 over last year. The title sponsor for this year was Road Pro Family of Brands.
As drivers, each year we have the opportunity to take along a wish child who wants to get inside of a big truck and experience the 28 mile convoy from the passenger seat. This is always a highlight for me as I enjoy getting to put a smile on the face of these special kids. This year, I had the pleasure of meeting the “Smith” family. Their middle child “Rockne” who is 5 years old is battling cancer. Rockne has a younger brother Brody (3) and sister, Zoe (12). As I spoke with Wayne and Janelle Smith, I learned that this was their very first visit to the Make A Wish event. I realized that they were in for a big surprise. They were very excited and Rockne wanted to experience this event from inside the truck. The whole family went along on the convoy journey. They were impressed how nice the truck was inside. The children really enjoyed the modern conveniences such as the television, microwave and bunk beds. We had fun blowing the air horn and they even talked on the CB. The family couldn’t believe how many people were positioned along the route. People cheered, waved flags and honked horns throughout the convoy. Rockne and his brother waved out the window and smiled as we passed by the streets and roadside hills crowded with people who came out to cheer them on.
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The route is always jam pack with citizens showing their support . |
It’s difficult for me to put my experiences of this event over the last seven years into words. This is just such a special day where memories are created. My wife and I have made friends over the years with these families and their children. Many of these kids and their families have to battle challenges that you and I cannot even imagine. It’s always a pleasure to participate in this event and each year I hope to contribute to the wishes of these special children. With that said, I received a note from Wayne Smith following the event and I thought it would be neat for you to read his recollection from the day’s events. Rockne told me he wants to ride along with me again next year and I told him that I would bring a louder air horn.
Henry,
Thank you for giving our family such a special adventure. This was our first trip to this event and we had no idea what was in store for us. We had imagined a little gathering with possibly some floats for the wish kids to ride on; a small
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Every overpass on the 28 mile long convoy is covered with people cheering for the Wish childeren. |
parade around the block. Boy, were we wrong!!!
Over 300 tractor trailers completing a 28 mile journey, all sounding there air horns. The cars on the highway must've thought you guys had lost your minds! And the people who came out to support it blew our minds. There were people at every intersection; people on every hill; people under every shade tree; in the backs of pickup trucks. There were even people standing on every overpass, all waving to these special children. Who could ask for more?
You were great; telling us how it all got started (two kids wish to talk to each other on a CB radio) and how it has grown in its' 26 year life. We feel like we have made a friend for life. I said it before and I'll say it again, cancer is a wretched disease...but it sure does bring people together.
We have attached some photos and videos from the event. Feel free to do with them what you like and once again you have our deepest gratitude. Can't wait to hang out with you again.
The Smith Family
PS...Rockne says to get that tugboat horn hooked up for next year!!!