Meeting a favorite performer is a huge thrill for any youngster. But for kids bravely coping with serious medical issues, it's even more significant and uplifting. The Make-A-Wish Foundation often makes it possible for children to have precious one-to-one time with someone they idolize. Country music singer Luke Bryan, 49, recently had the pleasure of getting back together with a young woman named Ashley. She first met him in 2015, thanks to Make-A-Wish. At the time, she was being treated for cancer. Now 28, Ashley and Luke Bryan happily crossed paths again on Monday, April 6, right before American Idol taped a show.
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Make-A-Wish Celebrated Their Reunion on Social Media
The organization posted a sweet snap of the pair on Instagram. Bryan has his arm casually around Ashley's shoulders. They look happy to see each other after so many years. The post is captioned, "One unforgettable wish. One incredible reunion." There is also a pic of Luke Bryan and Ashley when they first met, plus another depicting the young woman in the show's studio audience.
Furthermore, the post goes on to say this. "Little did Ashley know... years after their first meeting, she would be seeing her idol Luke Bryan again. Luke first met Ashley 11 years ago through Make?'A?'Wish, during her courageous battle with cancer. This month, that connection came full circle with a surprise reunion. One filled with joy, memories, and just as much heart as the first time!"
The post concludes like this. "Moments like this remind us just how life?'changing AND long-lasting the power of a wish can be. April is World Wish Month. Join Luke and Make-A-Wish in becoming a WishMaker for more children like Ashley at wishmaker.org (link in bio)."
Ashley Had a Rare Type of Cancer Years Ago
Per People, Ashley revealed that she had a rare form of cancer, chondrosarcoma, years ago. Additionally, she discussed the reason she wanted to meet Luke Bryan back then. "His music was always on in the background with my family... so I really associated it oftentimes with happy memories and good times in my life."
She mentioned, "I thought it would be a unique experience since he was someone that I looked up to and was inspired by who he was to the people around him. So I decided that that would be a fun opportunity... and that's the wish that was granted."
Meeting the "Drink a Beer" singer was everything Ashley dreamed it would be. "He was so kind and so genuine and so sweet," she recalled.
