Cancer Patient’s Birthday Wish Comes True

October 5, 2012

Halee Boyd, a Tate High School senior battling a rare form of  cancer, had the 18th birthday celebration of her dreams Thursday night, meeting her favorite female county star in person.

“She’s got a little cancer, y’all, but she’s the strongest girl I’ve ever met. She’s beautiful. She came here, she’s in her hospital bed rockin’ her [behind] off…there she is,” country star Miranda Lambert said during her concert at The Wharf in Orange Beach.  She then led thousands in singing to Halee.

“Happy birthday dear Halee; happy birthday to you,” Lambert, the CMA’s reigning female vocalist of the year, sang. “You’re awesome and beautiful…she’s so cool,” she said.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Halee is fighting Alevola Rhabdomyosarcoma , ARMS for short, a rare cancer of the muscles that are attached to the bones. There are only a few hundred new cases per year in the U.S. The prognosis not usually good.

“A month ago we were in my living room watching ‘How I Met Your Mother’ on Netflix and tonight we are waiting for a blood transfusion,” Halee’s mother Mardi Boyd said last May, shortly after the diagnosis. “No matter how I try, I just can’t seem to wrap my mind around that.”

In April, Halee started having severe headaches, followed by blurry and double vision. Within 10 days her right eye was swollen, and the Boyds headed to a hospital emergency room. On April 29, they learned she had a tumor.

“It is still hard to hear myself say that she has cancer, the words catch in my throat and tears well up in my eyes and my heart stops. It’s not that it’s affected my life so much; it’s that from April 29, 2012, her life changed so drastically in a hallway in an emergency department,” Mardi said.

Earlier this week, Halee’s birthday wish to see Miranda Lambert begin to fall apart. But thanks to Facebook and thanks to some amazing people that stepped up, it became night she’ll never forget.

Tickets that Halee and her mom thought they were going to have did not materialize.

“We tried to get tickets online but there are no more wheelchair tickets available through Ticketmaster. She can go down to the floor but there is no way I can afford that,” a discouraged mother said last Saturday night.

Posts began to appear on Facebook  about Halee’s birthday wish to see the concert. A few posts grew into a flood on Lambert’s Facebook page and the Facebook pages of local country radio stations.  Within 24 hours, she had her tickets thanks to generous people that saw the Facebook posts.

“Halee was given tickets today from some people in the community who saw the post and got involved. I doubt we will get to meet Miranda,” Mardi said Sunday.

But people in the community were not going to rest until Halee’s birthday wish came true.  Hundreds of people, many who have never met Halee Boyd, continued their Facebook campaign for “Meet and Greet” backstage passes. Brent Lane and CatCountry 98.7; Marty White and WXBM; Kristi Smith, a NorthEscambia.com photographer; State Representative Clay Ingram and so many more angels made the phone calls, called in favors and would not rest until Halee’s birthday wish was set. In the end, one of Mardi’s friends in California sealed the deal with the backstage pages.

But the cancer and the chemo were going to throw a curve ball into the best laid plans of thousands. Complications landed Halee in Sacred Heart Hospital.

“We certainly have felt tested and tempted and it is so easy to give in to the pitfalls of dealing with cancer. I was reminded that Halee (and myself) should ‘just keep swimming’, keep the faith and focus on what we know, that God is in control,” Mardi posted on Facebook Thursday morning, awaiting word on if Halee would be able to attend the concert. “I am truly amazed to see Halee’s story shared over and over and people praying in faith not only for her, but for all kids everywhere with cancer. I am blessed.”

And she shared this scripture:

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” -James 1:12 NLT

One of the people that saw the numerous Facebook posts about Halee’s birthday wish was a man from Jay that stepped up and saw a way to help. Greg Odom is a flight nurse on LifeFlight.  Along with Lifeguard Ambulance, Odom arranged to transport Halee to Orange Beach.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotion over this precious child. I’m thankful I was able to use my position to help her dream come true. It’s humbling,” Odom said.

By Thursday afternoon, only a fever stood between Halee and Miranda Lambert, but if the fever did not break, the doctors at Sacred Heart would not allow the trip. Hundreds, if not thousands, joined in prayer for Halee Boyd, often posting those prayers publicly on Facebook.

The fever broke just in time, and Halee loaded up in the Lifeguard Ambulance for a trip of a lifetime.

“My stomach is probably going to fall out. I’m probably going to sweat a lot; I’m going to be really, really excited,” Halee said before leaving Sacred Heart.

Once in Orange Beach, Halee had the chance to “hang out” with Miranda Lambert.

“Random strangers are giving me tickets because they just want to see a kid who is struggling happy,” Halee said. “And that makes me really happy.”

“I don’t think I have taken one picture that Miss Halee is not smiling from ear to ear,” Smith said from The Wharf.

“I’d say a dream come true tonight,” Odom said.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Halee’s 18th birthday is this Saturday, October 6. She does not currently have health insurance. Donations are being accepted for Halee through the family’s church, Heritage Baptist Church, 3065 Highway 297A, Cantonment, (850) 478-3316.

Pictured top: Cancer patient and Tate High senior Halee Boyd enjoys a concert by country star Miranda Lambert Thursday night in Orange Beach. Pictured top inset: Halee with Miranda Lambert. Pictured middle inset: Halee reacts during the show. Pictured bottom inset: Miranda Lambert, the CMA female vocalist of the year, sings Happy Birthday to Halee. Pictured below: Lifeguard Ambulance worked to transport Halee to the show. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.


Comments

42 Responses to “Cancer Patient’s Birthday Wish Comes True”

  1. Deb Maxwell on October 25th, 2012 8:42 pm

    I was at the concert and felt privileged to sing Happy Birthday to her. It shows what a community can do when they work together :-)
    I pray Halee gets better and pray for her family.

  2. Crkindn on October 8th, 2012 12:38 pm

    WOW! This precious young lady is so loved by all. This story was so heart warming, tears for sure. GOD is so amazing. I’m so happy her dream came true. It’s so good to know their are really great people with big hearts in our community. Thanks to everyone for all of the love shown to Halee. GOD BLESS YOU SWEETHEART AND YOUR FAMILY. Praying and will continue…..

    I don’t know Halee but would love too. Her courage is absolutly amazing…..

  3. Teresa Ross on October 7th, 2012 7:09 pm

    Happy to see you in the limelight again. May God Continue to bless you.
    We love you ! Praying for you and your family . Teresa and Olivia Ross

  4. Rita on October 7th, 2012 3:25 am

    This is a awesome covered story, and heart touching as people did come to gether and make this a dream come true for Halee, Happy Birthday Halee.. with you determination an outlook I know God has plans for you in your life , stay strong Honey we praying for you

  5. Carol on October 6th, 2012 3:07 pm

    Happy Birthday, Halee! You are truly an amazing young lady. I’m praying for God’sgrace blessings on you and your family.

  6. Cathy on October 6th, 2012 2:01 pm

    Happy Birthday Halee, what a special night for you
    God Bless all the folks that prayed and made this Birthday Wish come true
    And God Bless You, You are Strong in HIs Promise
    Cathy

  7. G'ma Mary on October 6th, 2012 11:27 am

    Happy Birthday, Halee. You are walking, talking, loving proof that God answers the prayers of His faithful. I’ll keep praying and urging others to do the same. You keep working on staying strong and beating the cancer. And keep on staying as precious and loving as you are.

    Happy Birthday and God bless…G’ma Mary

  8. Melissa on October 6th, 2012 11:01 am

    Happy Birthday Halee :) I am so happy that you had a wonderful Birthday, and that your wish came true!! Thank you GOD <3

  9. brandi on October 5th, 2012 9:02 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALEE!!!! I want you to know that you will be in my prayers. and so glad your wish came true. stay strong.

    Greg: that was so sweet of you to take your time to take halee to this concert and to meet her favorite singer. God bless you.

  10. Taundis on October 5th, 2012 7:42 pm

    Happy Birthday Halee I am so glad your wish came true. You will be in my prayers.

  11. Mme Cuzan on October 5th, 2012 5:01 pm

    Joyeux Anniversaire, Juliette!

    Je pense à toi, comme toujours!

    Je t’embrasse,

    Mme Cuzán

  12. Nana on October 5th, 2012 4:05 pm

    Happy Birthday Hallie To an amazing young lady… And to all the people that made her dream come true… God will bless you in more ways than you know.
    We still have the choice in life to help others in need.. And you all did it. And to Marinda Lambert, thank you for making her dream a reality… You a truly a down to earth lady..

  13. susan nielsen on October 5th, 2012 3:47 pm

    it its such a blessing to see the love of strangers to strangers in this world of hate and unhappiness HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALEE and thank you for the love!

  14. Shawna Price on October 5th, 2012 2:25 pm

    I am so happy that this was able to happen for yall! It just shows what the power of prayer and some really amazing people can do! This couldn’t have happened to better people! I love yall!!!

  15. Shawna Price on October 5th, 2012 2:24 pm

    We love yall so much! I’m so happy that this was able to happen for you guys! Happy birthday Halee! And Mardi I am here if you need me! Love you both!!!

  16. LS on October 5th, 2012 12:36 pm

    It’s so good to finally see an AMAZING story come from our community! Although I don’t personally know Halee, since first seeing the FB posts you have been in our prayers. I’m so glad that all the prayers were answered and your birthday wish came true!! You are truly an inspiration!!!

    To all the people that had a hand in making this happen…..you all are awesome and I hope God truely blesses you for all of your effort!!!

  17. Ashley on October 5th, 2012 11:21 am

    Wow!!! I am so thankful for the wonderful people still left in this world! Halee I am praying for you and I know god will help you and your family through this time! This is such a awesome story! I hope you have a awesome birthday I will be thinking of you tomorrow on your big day. I know in my heart you will have many more birthdays to look forward to because we serve an Awesome god and a god that heals!!! My love to you and your family!!!

  18. mq on October 5th, 2012 10:29 am

    So SORRY about the cancer she has, but this is an AMAZING story about SO many wnoderful people. God may or may not heal her, but He sure has blessed her and her family. Thank You William for once again sharing a positive story.

  19. Sandy E on October 5th, 2012 10:18 am

    The concert was great and to end it singing Happy Birthday to Halee made it even better! So glad to be part of making Halee’s birthday even more special and will never to be forgotten… May God continue to send blessings to Miss Halee and her family!

  20. Mandy on October 5th, 2012 9:53 am

    Happy Birthday Halee!!! So happy your dream came true. Hang in there and God will see you thru.

  21. jakec on October 5th, 2012 9:50 am

    thats awesome!! what a great community. happy birthday Halee!!

  22. Jessica Wright on October 5th, 2012 9:40 am

    Halee, I am so glad you got your wish!! you are a very strong WOMAN, and i hope that this shows you how many people that dont even know you love you and care about you! we are all behind you, and def the man up stairs ! & Mardi, your an inspiration to parents having to go through this, dont ever let anyone or anything bring you down! your an amazing parent & Halee is lucky to have a mom who will always be there and fight this ! Love Yall!!!! :)

  23. SHIRLEY SMITH on October 5th, 2012 9:24 am

    So happy your dream came true,and thanks to all the wonderful people who made that happen. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALEE, God Be With YOU

  24. Beth Drivon on October 5th, 2012 9:24 am

    Awww so happy for Mardi and Halee to be able to share in the wonderful night and ….Happy Birthday Halee love you guys

  25. Cathy McCurdy on October 5th, 2012 8:59 am

    I will keep this young lady in my prayers. Such a sweet, inspiring story. Thank you Jesus! Happy Birthday, Halee. So glad your dream came true!!!

  26. V on October 5th, 2012 8:51 am

    I’m so happy for you! And wish the best in your treatment because its a long road. I’ve been there. I do wish that cancer wasn’t glorified though. It’s so hard and we go through much. It’s so expensive. In order to get help we have to make out private lives public. Not fair at all. I’m sad about it. My personal debt and illness to the imposition of cancer shouldn’t be made public to get assistance or gratitude from many. I’m a 2 yr survivor. I wish it wasn’t this way but it is. I wish you the best sweetheart you are soooo brave!!!!

  27. mom on October 5th, 2012 8:45 am

    Congratulations and HAPPY 18th Birthday Halee! What an inspiration you are to so many people. Makes me feel like my problems don’t hold a candle anymore….Praying for your recovery…..

  28. Missy Scarborough on October 5th, 2012 8:32 am

    I have shared this glorious story with anyone who would listen……and tear up every time!!!!!! Baby girl, this is just the beginning for you – you have an AMAZING life ahead of you. I soooo can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!!!!!

  29. robyn on October 5th, 2012 8:29 am

    Happy Birthday Halee!!! God bless you and all the amazing people who made it happen!!!!

  30. Spring kane on October 5th, 2012 8:25 am

    I was there for her concert I don’t think there was a dry seat there it was so sweet for miranda to do that I’m so glad this beautiful girl got her wish happy birthday halee

  31. Roll Tide on October 5th, 2012 8:23 am

    Halee: I don’t know you but I sure wish I did. What a truly heart warming story. I am so happy that you got your birthday wish! Kudos to everyone that helped make this wish come true. You seem like an awesome individual and I hope you have an amazing birthday this week-end. What a way to start it off getting to meet Miranda. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep the faith girl, God is in control!! God Bless & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

  32. Rox on October 5th, 2012 8:22 am

    This story is so amazing. To hear that so many people came together for this special person is just amazing.

  33. Cindaay on October 5th, 2012 8:16 am

    Happy Birthday Halee!!! God is good!!!!! Glad you had such a wonderful time at the concert and got to meet Miranda. Thanks to all for making this happen.

  34. Dana on October 5th, 2012 7:14 am

    This is such an awesome story. God Bless you all

  35. Brandy on October 5th, 2012 6:45 am

    Such an inspiration! This beautiful girl had her dreams come true! Thanks to any & all that volunteered to give her an unforgettable Birthday wish! We live n a great community & its full of giving people!! & a special thanks to Miranda Lambert! Best wishes to Haler on her journey & lotsa well wishes!! Hope your night was everything you dreamed of & more!! God Bless!

  36. Denise on October 5th, 2012 6:42 am

    all of you guys that helped in this. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Best story I have read in years. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!! Halee and your family, hang in there. You see what good is still in this world. We will all be praying for you.

  37. Angela on October 5th, 2012 6:38 am

    Wow! What an inspiring story. People helping people and a beautiful young girl getting a very special gift. I know that there are a lot of bad and terrible people in this world, but I still believe there are ALOT more good and Godly people who want to help others, too. Thank you so much to ALL of you who made this happen. I am sure Halee was blessed by your help, but God will certainly bless you for helping.

  38. Ijs on October 5th, 2012 6:36 am

    What a wonderful heartfelt story

  39. Brandy Hart on October 5th, 2012 6:19 am

    Halee, you look beautiful! Im very proud of you for staying so strong throughout all of this! You are an amazing young woman and have always been a great friend! Love you! Happy Birthday Halee!

  40. Debbie on October 5th, 2012 5:22 am

    Halee, I did not know you before this morning but I doubt you will be far from my heart, prayers and thoughts again. Go Halee and go Mardi. May God keep sending blessings. And to everyone that made this happen, can’t stop crying thinking about it. Blessings to all.

  41. Jessy Killam on October 5th, 2012 5:17 am

    This is an amazing story!!!!! Congrats Halee !!!!

  42. Jane on October 5th, 2012 5:09 am

    I am soooo happy that her birthday wish came true!!! Thank you to everyone who made that happen! Miracles DO happen!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News