Make-A-Wish answers Wheatfield girl’s dream

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, March 18, 2006

Earlier this month, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York, along with some truly caring groups and individuals from the Buffalo-Niagara area, answered the wishes of Amanda Bentley, an 11-year-old Wheatfield girl who has been struggling with T-cell leukemia. Amanda, who lives with her family on Wilrose Court, is a typical youngster who likes to play video games, draw and listen to all different kinds of music, especially KISS 98.5. But her medical condition has at times made it difficult to do even the most routine of life’s tasks, let alone enjoy what a normal, healthy child would take for granted. Make-A-Wish, which strives to grant the wishes of children faced with a life-threatening medical condition, heard of Amanda’s plight and her wish for her very own band room.

Thanks to the efforts of numerous groups, including Western New York United Against Drugs and Alcohol, Buffalo Public School No. 79, North Forest Development, Union Local 289 and others, she now has her own fully equipped music haven, complete with a stage, lights and a sound system in her basement. “It’s awesome,” exclaimed Amanda as she expressed her appreciation to all who contributed to her wish.

Shown in the photo below (left to right) are WNY United Against Drugs and Alcohol members Keith Beam, D’Andre Browning and Denzel Allen, who helped Amanda’s dream come true by raising funds and purchasing musical instruments for her band room. Above, Amanda is shown getting ready to rock in her new room. (photos by Dave Young)