By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWhen the fire trucks rolled up to Payton Hawkins’ home, emergency lights flashing, a surprise awaited.The 10-year-old Warren County boy was brought outside his home where two Wright City fire trucks were parked. On the west side of the home, a large whirlpool spa had been installed earlier in the day.Hawkins beamed as a firefighter placed a hat on his head. Later, he assisted firefighters as they filled the spa tub with water.He stood there, smile still intact.“He loves the fire trucks,” said Payton’s mother, Jennifer Clementz. “Every time he hears them he zones right in. He loves the sirens, loves loud noises.”Make-A-Wish Missouri granted a wish to Payton and his family by installing the spa. The project was completed and unveiled Friday, Nov. 20. The nonprofit organization grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.When Payton was born, doctors discovered benign tumors all over his body and he was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex. He has seizures on a daily basis. Two years ago, a portion of his brain was removed to stop the seizures from traveling from one side to the other, which caused him to fall regularly. He attends school at Boonslick State School, a facility for disabled students.Despite the improvement, Payton still takes close to 20 medications a day to limit his seizures.“It’s been a battle,” Clementz remarked.The pool spa not only will be a place Payton can enjoy swimming, it also will be used in therapeutic ways to help loosen his muscles and improve his mobility.While trying to determine what to add to the wish list, the family initially considered a camper. However, the idea was replaced by the hot tub while visiting a pool convention.Payton, who is mostly non-verbal, blurted out words his mother had never heard him say before.“When he saw the pools, he was like, ‘pool, pool.’ ” Clementz said. “He had never said pool before either, which was cool. It will be very good for him.”Dave Tscharner, a Make-A-Wish Missouri staff member, appreciated the support the organization received for the project. Assistance was provided by numerous businesses.“This has been a true community effort,” he said. “That is what Make-A-Wish depends on. It really depends on the community, on volunteers and donations to make wishes come true for these kids.Wright City firefighters were thrilled to assist in the project. They allowed Hawkins to hold the fire hose as the spa was being filled and gave him a tour of one of the fire trucks.“We’re glad to be part of this,” Capt. Josh Riebe said. “Seeing his face when he got to play with the hose — that made his day. He was smiling from ear to ear on the truck. All kids enjoy the fire truck, but some kids truly enjoy it more.”Since the tub has been installed, Payton has already had a chance to take a dip.“He going to love it,” Clementz said. “It will be hard keeping him from getting in.”Payton Hawkins, center, smiles as he helps fill a new whirlpool spa with a fire hose as part of his Make-A-Wish project. Also pictured are Wright City firefighter Josh Riebe, left, and Payton's mother, Jennifer Clementz. Tim Schmidt photo.
