News Summary
Myrtle Beach International Airport saw a special police escort for six-year-old Journey from Pawleys Island, who fulfilled her wish of becoming a mermaid for a day, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After an exciting makeover and a limo ride, Journey celebrated her birthday at Ripley’s Aquarium among friends and family, showcasing community support for children facing health challenges.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
On the morning of July 18, 2025, Myrtle Beach International Airport witnessed a significant police presence as Horry County Police escorted a local child embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World, facilitated by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The community rallied around the child, six-year-old Journey from Pawleys Island, who fulfilled her dream of becoming a mermaid for a day.
Witnesses reported seeing approximately 10 to 15 police vehicles from the Horry County traffic unit at the airport to support Journey’s unique wish. Ashley Hickman, the business development and properties manager at the airport, expressed pride in facilitating the child’s journey and thanked the Horry County Police Department along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for children facing serious health challenges.
Journey, who has been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, celebrated her sixth birthday with an extraordinary mermaid experience arranged by the South Carolina Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, in collaboration with Ripley’s Aquarium. This highly anticipated event included a glamorous makeover at Sparkles Boutique in Myrtle Beach, where Journey and her cousin were transformed into mermaids.
Mermaid Experience and Birthday Celebration
Following the makeover, the young girls enjoyed a limousine ride to Ripley’s Aquarium, entering to an enchanting shower of bubbles and the cheers of over 50 family members and friends. Journey donned a colorful mermaid costume paired with silver cowboy boots to make the occasion even more special.
The celebration was filled with joy and included dancing, singing, presents, a mermaid-themed birthday cake, and a meal featuring her favorite dishes. Misty Farmer, the president and CEO of the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation, noted that Journey’s mermaid wish stood out among the many wishes granted, as the most common request is typically a trip to Disney World.
Planning Journey’s Wish
The planning process for Journey’s wish lasted several months, involving extensive collaboration with Ripley’s Aquarium and various sponsors. Journey’s mother, Mercedes, explained that her daughter’s diagnosis of sickle cell anemia came shortly after her birth, significantly impacting their family life and health circumstances. Throughout her early years, Journey endured numerous health challenges and frequent hospitalizations.
In a poignant moment just prior to her wish, Journey expressed a desire to avoid the doctor’s office with a heartfelt wish to be a mermaid instead. Remarkably, she was discharged from the hospital just a day before her birthday, allowing her to experience the joy of her long-awaited celebration.
Community Support
Mercedes expressed her gratitude to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ripley’s Aquarium for their unwavering support. She highlighted the immense effect of community backing on families navigating health struggles. The Make-A-Wish Foundation continues to strive to provide hope, strength, and joy to children facing medical difficulties by making their dreams come true.
Through such heartfelt initiatives, the Make-A-Wish Foundation allows children like Journey to make wishes in five categories: to go, to be, to have, to meet or to give, demonstrating the profound impact of wish fulfillment on young lives.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Make-A-Wish Foundation
- WRDW
- Google Search: Make-A-Wish Foundation
- My Horry News
- Google Scholar: Make-A-Wish Foundation
- MSN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Make-A-Wish Foundation
- WPDE
- Google News: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
