Sikeston boy's wish for playground to be granted

Thursday, June 23, 2011
Chase Cobb, who turns 7 next month, smiles for the camera. The Sikeston boy's wish for a playground in his backyard will come true Saturday as a Make-A-Wish Foundation crew along with local volunteers will construct one for him. The playground will feature a wheelchair swing and a wheelchair-height sand and water table for Chase, who is nonverbal and has very limited use of his limbs. (Submitted Photo)

SIKESTON -- Like most kids his age, 6-year-old Chase Cobb loves playing outside.

But for the nonverbal Sikeston boy who has very limited use of his limbs, finding a playground he can access by his wheelchair hasn't been easy -- until now.

Through assistance from Make-A-Wish Foundation and help from local volunteers, a playground will be constructed in Chase's back yard at 815 E. Gladys St. in Sikeston.

"We were excited," said Chase's mother Amy Cobb about learning Chase's wish would be granted.

Being able to have the ability to move around his playground and use it independently will be a dream come true for Chase, said C.J. Faria, a volunteer wish granter for Make-A-Wish Foundation's St. Louis Regional Office.

"He got his first electric wheelchair, but he wasn't able to use it at home a lot, and he has a need for speed, being a 6-year-old," Faria said.

"Build Chase's Backyard" will begin about 10 a.m. Saturday when volunteers will start setting up the playground which features a special swing with a harness so Chase doesn't fall out, a swing with a wheelchair and learning panels he can drive up to.

More volunteers will be needed again around 1 p.m. after the concrete poured for the playground has had time to set, Faria said.

"We're needing as many volunteers as we can get," Faria said, adding any individual or groups who want to come and help are welcomed to help Saturday.

For the entire story and to learn how you can help, see the June 23 edition of the Standard Democrat or click here to log on to the electronic edition.

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