I grew up in Live Oak, spending a majority of my youth getting to know people and learning new things. I believe this is a significant perk of growing up in a smaller community. I also learned that, for such a tight-knit community, the people of Live Oak take care of their own when one is in need. This was something that was affirmed for me on Monday, Dec. 23, when a whole community rallied around 7-year-old Evangeline McKenna. Wayne Kelly with the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) personally reached out to me, asking for Riverbend News to be a part of the festivities. Kelly and I go back a few years, having met during one of his investigations, and ultimately we became good friends. When he asks for a favor or request, I am quick to say yes. I also wanted to learn more about Evangeline’s courageous fight against rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), so I surfed around. First, I wanted to learn more about what RMS was. As I researched, I kept asking myself, “Why this little girl? Why any child?” It is such a rare diagnosis that treatment is limited and the doctors that do treat it are in such faraway areas of the United States like Boston and New York City. And as I learn more about Evangeline’s diagnosis and fight, I have learned that these options have been explored. The night of the parade, I walked up to Evangline’s mother, Sonya, along with Sarah Wheeler and a host of family and friends. Wheeler was the one who made this a reality for the McKennas. Sarah shared her story, and how they were able to make this parade happen just amazed me. In just over a week, they made this special parade happen. What was supposed to be a few cars turned into our community and others coming out to show support for Evangeline. As the parade time was getting closer, you could hear the music playing at Paul Langford Stadium, about several blocks from the McKenna house on Suwannee Avenue. I said to Sonya, “It’s amazing how you can hear all that! You would think this was the Christmas on the Square parade.” “And I can’t believe it’s all for my baby,” Sonya said, with emotion in her voice. I had to stand in reflection for just a few moments after she said that. It made me think of my son, who was born last year. He was a sickly child, being underweight the majority of his infant stage due to digestion problems and an unbearable milk protein allergy. But what he experienced is no comparison to what little Evangeline is going through or what her family is going through. Then the parade happened. It was show time! Among those that came out to show their support included multiple law enforcement agencies, the Suwannee County Fire and Rescue, Live Oak Fire Department, .50 Cal Coffee & Desserts, several civic organizations, and the Shriners. It was certainly a festive atmosphere. But as the parade kept moving, I couldn’t help but glance over a few times at the McKennas. Evangeline was having the time of her life while her mother was holding her tight, emotional from the support that this community has given this family. This was all for Evangeline. The community loved her. When the parade ended, Sheriff St. John walked up to the family, along with a host of others including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rocky the Elf, and some of SCSO’s finest. As I watched the scene unfold, I was beginning to get emotional. I have not had the career my colleagues had, as I have only been reporting the news briefly. However, I knew I was witnessing something special. What that special thing was is the gift of community. Our community has been through Hell. There is no secret about that. Some of the organizations I interviewed over the holiday season were concerned they were not going to raise the funds or obtain enough donations to make an effective Christmas for the children due to the hurricanes earlier in the year. But as a community, people came together to ensure that, even in the hardest of times, the children came first. When talking with Sarah Wheeler, the plan was to originally have a few vehicles in the parade. Over 60 showed up. I’ve witnessed not only a Christmas miracle, but something I have not seen in some time. I witnessed what it truly meant to “take care of our own.” People from across our region and others came to show their support. Because of the beautiful support of this community, the McKennas can be assured that Evangeline’s fight is also our fight. The community will continue to support them and be with them in their hour of need. On a personal note, I am so thankful that Wheeler has come to Suwannee County. I am very familiar with her efforts to help the communities in Columbia County, especially through the Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness Association and the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. She is also an entrepreneur, making her lemonade stand “Simply Sarah” a huge success. To have her part of our community is such a big win. Our community has an advocate in Wheeler. I couldn’t be more proud to say that Live Oak is my hometown than what I saw on Monday. This is my hometown, and I love it. Thank you to everyone who made a little girl’s Christmas so special.
