Little Girl Fights Cancer, Becomes Officer for a Day
Est. Read Time: 1 Min.
Sierra Shank is not your typical 7 year old. She has fought more in her short life than most prizefighters will in an entire career.
Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, this little girl has had to withstand 5 brutal rounds of chemotherapy and 14 rounds of radiation therapy. These treatments are extremely laborious and difficult on both the patient and their family. In 2016, Sierra had the opportunity to do whatever her heart desired most, through a wish granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Organizations like Make-a-Wish give respite to a child and their family, allowing them to forget the everyday stress of hospital visits and treatments. Typical wishes include trips to Disney World, Caribbean Cruises, or spending the day with famous celebrities.
Keeping this in mind, Sierra stunned everyone when she revealed that her deepest desire was one without travel or fame…it was to help the community and become a police officer for the day.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation, in partnership with the Spokane Police Department, went to work developing an incredible day devoted to fighting crime. Sierra got to train with the K9 Unit, arrest a criminal, and even experience heart pumping SWAT scenarios!
After it was all said and done, Sierra was given a hero’s welcome at the city hall by the Mayor, and thanked for her heroic service. The whole experience left Sierra’s mother, Michelle, speechless by the kindness and willingness of everyone involved to make the day as special as possible for her daughter.
"How can you say thank you to all these people? I don't even know. I don't have the words."
Sierra’s cancer is currently in remission. With continued courage and perseverance, we know that she is going to continue to achieve her actual dreams, wherever her brave heart and mind decide to take her.
Watch Sierra's incredible experience!
Originally from 2016, this inspiring story was brought to our attention almost 1 year from the date the story initially aired.
K9 Storm is the Diamond Sponsor of a similar wish granting non-profit, the Children's Wish Foundation, in Canada.