Scroll to the bottom to watch Gulfport firefighters serenade Vickie Walker with a traditional bagpipe song.
By FireRescue1 Staff
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Firefighters from around the state are helping to make a sick girl’s dreams of meeting her heroes come true.
Vickie Walker, 10, was diagnosed with a severe form of eczema called severe atopic dermatitis October 2015, and since then has been in and out of hospitals. After her parents, Karen and Robert Walker, reached out to fire departments around the world, Vickie had the opportunity to visit and tour several fire stations across the state.
In early October, Vickie’s condition declined; she has lost weight, shakes uncontrollably and struggles to walk, according to a post on her YouCaring page. Several weeks ago, her parents requested that firefighters send Vickie letters or autographs. They had hoped hearing from firefighters would encourage her during her recovery.
The Sharon and Shady Grove Volunteer Departments invited Vickie to tour their stations, where firefighters took her for a truck ride and showed her how to use a fire hose, reported WDAM.
Both departments gave Vickie gift baskets filled with firefighter gear, toys and candy. The Shady Grove Department also named her an honorary junior firefighter. She was given an opportunity to tour the state’s fire academy, as well.
In early October, the Hattiesburg Fire Department paid Vickie a visit at her home. The following day, Gulfport firefighters equipped with bagpipes serenaded Vickie outside her home.
“There is love in the world and it’s been coming out of the wood work yesterday and today,” wrote Vickie’s mom, following the visits. “I’m still in shock and Vickie is so much more upbeat than she was. I’ll never be able to thank ya’ll enough.”
Those interested in sending Vickie a card or letter, can mail them to: Vickie Waller at 121 W. Park Dr. #111 Hattiesburg, MS 39402.