WNBA and Southwest Airlines recognize Virginia family
Published on August 7, 2006 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release
NEW YORK, AUGUST 7, 2006 -The Women's National Basketball Association and Southwest Airlines will recognize the Wohlford family of Roanoke, VA for their display of strength and courage during their stay at the Ronald McDonald House. For the second straight year the WNBA and Southwest Airlines have teamed up through the Shoot for Hope program to give families who have stayed at Ronald McDonald Houses the opportunity to experience WNBA games and meet their favorite players. Shoot For Hope is a part of WNBA Cares, the league's global community outreach initiative.
The Wohlford family, 12-year-old Haley along with her mother, father and sister, will travel via Southwest Airlines from Baltimore, MD to Chicago where they will be special guests at the Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun game on Tuesday, August 8. They will have the opportunity to catch Rookie of the Year contender Candice Dupree and the Sky take on All-Star MVP Katie Douglas and the Sun.
Haley Wohlford, who was born with Hypochondroplasia, a genetic disorder characterized by small stature and disproportionately short arms, legs, hands and feet (short-limbed dwarfism), and her family have been staying at the Ronald McDonald house in Baltimore, MD while Haley undergoes a limb lengthening procedure. Within the last two months, Haley has gained over four inches, making her approximately 4-7.
"Haley is a very brave girl" said her mother, Marcy. "She has been under tremendous pain and stress the past two months but manages to keep positive and look forward to days when her life will get easier.
"Going to women's basketball games at Virginia Tech is a regular family activity back at home and we're looking forward to taking this small break together and attending our first professional basketball game."
Besides interacting with players and coaches at the game, the Wohlfords will also receive a variety of gifts, including WNBA memorabilia.
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