Bone cancer patient receives Carolina blue golf cart

The staff at UNC Hospitals treats thousands of patients every year, and they do so without expecting a grand gesture of thanks.

But on Friday, one of their patients decided to include his medical team in a dream come true.

The eastern North Carolina chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted a wish to 15-year-old Kzon Crenshaw, who lives in eastern North Carolina.

Kzon, a bone cancer patient at UNC Hospitals, received a Carolina blue golf cart that was signed by his doctors and nurses at UNC Children’s Hospital.

“They’ve helped me through everything, I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather share the memory with,” Kzon said.

Kzon asked for a personalized golf cart — and the cart he received included a high-torque motor, customized wheels and a radio/CD player.

The Make-A-Wish foundation’s mission is to give children who are sick with life-threatening illnesses any gift they ask for. Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina has granted more than 2,600 wishes to children since its inception in 1986.

Jerry Peters, director of community engagement for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina, said with the help of several volunteers, the chapter was able to grant 190 wishes last year.

“It’s a team effort between coordinators and volunteers to make these wishes come true,” Peters said.

“But everyone comes together to give these kids something they can enjoy.”

Kzon said he considers his medical team to be part of his family.

He returned home to Dunn in July but instead of receiving his wish there, he decided to have the ceremony at UNC Hospitals.

Kzon said he wanted to share the moment with everyone who cares about him.

Lisa Riegal, Kzon’s primary nurse during his stay at the hospital, had the day off on Friday, but said she would not have let anything make her miss this event.

“This is the first time I’ve attended something like this,” Riegal said. “He’s been talking about this for a really long time, and I just think it’s awesome for him.”

Kzon said he would use the golf cart to travel around his hometown and go to the place that gave him an escape during his treatment — the drag race track.

Riegal said Kzon would always ask to go to the track every Thursday. She said she would help him in any way she could to get him there.

Patrick Curran, a volunteer who headed the effort to grant Kzon’s wish, said his first meeting with the 15-year-old made such an impression that he wanted to do anything he could to grant Kzon a wish.

He said because Kzon was interested in cars and engines, it could help with his career path, too.

“After his surgery (on his leg) it was hard for him to get around the track,” Curran said. “The golf cart gives him the opportunity to move efficiently and be with his friends.”

Many attendees shed tears after the presentation, but for Kzon’s parents, Tina and Kenny Crenshaw, it was an uplifiting day.

“I honestly did not expect the tears, but he really is a special kid,” said Tina Crenshaw.

“He’s always tried to stay uplifting, and for him to get to share this moment with all of his family and medical staff is incredible.”

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