Jerene is a 15-year-old girl from Garrison North Dakota who is in the midst of a brave battle with cancer.

Jerene’s wish was to go on a shopping spree in Minot. Her wish began with a limo picking up herself, a friend Dusti, and Mother Darla up at their home at 9:00am. The first stop was Slumberland Furniture in Minot. Jerene was looking for the perfect captains’ bed to enhance her bedroom. With the help of a very kind and generous employee named Vern, Jerene was able to find a comfortable captains bed with all the accessories she had hoped for.

Jerene’s wish then took her to Wal-Mart in Minot. Wal-Mart laid out the red carpet for Jerene, literally. Jerene was greeted at the main entrance of Wal-Mart by cheering and clapping associates. The General Manager along with many other managers personally greeted Jerene. Jerene, her mother Darla, and Friend Dusti were welcomed with corsages. The General Manager then helped Jerene into her own personalized Wal-Mart smock. It was explained to Jerene that they had numerous stations set up around the store for her to rest, and of course gift bags with all sorts of goodies for her to enjoy on behalf of the Minot Wal-Mart employees.

Jerene had a shopping list, and on the very top were two items she was determined to purchase, a computer and a camcorder. Jerene has a love for making home movies and little skits. So as you can guess her first stop was to electronics. After picking out her new computer and camcorder, she was escorted to a station set up with various gifts for Jerene. This continued throughout the store.

Jerene put much thought into what she would buy with her money. She carefully checked prices and thought her decisions through thoroughly. I told her “you will make a man happy one day with your shopping techniques”!

Wal-Mart had one more surprise for Jerene, save the best for last. When Jerene got up to “her” register, the employees decorated a register area with balloons roses and signs and called it “Jerene’s register.” Jerene was again greeted by many Wal-Mart associates and managers and was presented with a large sheet cake that said “Best Wishes Jerene from Wal-Mart and the Community.”

I spoke with the Manager of Wal-Mart Greg, the weeks leading up to Jerene’s wish. We spoke about Jerene’s favorite colors, movie stars, music, and hobbies. Greg was definitely listening, because waiting for Jerene at her register was a huge gift basket full of her favorites. Probably the most popular was the autographed picture, video and CD of Jesse McCartney, her most adored teen star!! The smile on her face was truly priceless! Jerene also has a love for Elvis, so low and behold they had much Elvis memorabilia for her.

As you can see from the pictures, Jerene has a huge smile that radiates THANK YOU!