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Ana-Lois Mercer couldn’t stop smiling.

The 4 year old had her Make-A-Wish Alabama wish granted Wednesday during a Partners in Wishes reception at the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Amphitheater.

Mercer’s wish was originally for a horse, but she decided on a Barbie camper.

Once the reveal was made, the Poarch Bank of Creek Indians’ (PBCI) Fire Department backed the 23-footer into view for the attentive crowd.

PBCI has partnered with Make-A-Wish Alabama and America’s Thrift Stores, a first for the Tribe.

“These types of things can’t happen without you,” PBCI Tribal Chairwoman and CEO Stephanie Bryan said. “It’s not I, it’s we.”
Mercer has been battling leukemia, a diagnosis she received more than 2 years ago, mother Megan said.

Make-A-Wish Alabama President and CEO Tracy Smith said it doesn’t take a village, it takes a Tribe to make it happen.

“Y’all made it happen,” Smith said.

Make-A-Wish Alabama is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a staff of 17, Smith said.

Smith said the budget for the organization is less than $5 million a year. One-quarter of the budget comes from America’s Thrift Stores. America’s Thrift Stores America’s Thrift Stores collects gently-used clothing and small household items through donation drives. The store then receipts the items, resells in their stores and then donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Alabama. Make-A-Wish Alabama then uses the funds to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses around the state.

In fact, a trailer is almost full of waiting-to-be-donated items, officials said. PBC’s donation drive is currently happening at Wind Creek Atmore and the Poarch Creek Reservation through April 30, and the public is welcome to participate.

Bryan said PBCI is the first Tribe to allow America’s Thrift Stores boxes on the reservation.

Bryan spoke about the courage of Mercer, and her fight.

“Ana-Lois is a true example of a warrior,” she said. “I ask everyone of you here today to keep praying for this family,” she said. “Keep praying for all families.”
Smith said Make-A-Wish will always be around, adding that unfortunately, some 350 kids are diagnosed. Around half of the kids are granted wishes, she added.

“We know a wish is so important, we believe in the power of positivity,” she said.

Megan said they went through a rough time dealing with the diagnosis, but the Tribe helped get them through the tough times.

“If there was anything in the world she’d want, we knew she (Ana-Lois) would want a new horse,” Megan said. “But, she said, ‘I want a Barbie camper.’”

Inside the camper, Barbie-themed living quarters awaits Mercer, as she will create new memories.

Additionally, Mercer will have the opportunity to ring her bell tomorrow, Thurs., April 25 at a hospital in Mobile in recognition of her last treatment.

In addition to Make-A-Wish Alabama team members and volunteers, America’s Thrift Store representatives were present, along with PBCI Tribal council members, Tribal members, employees, the recipient family and Atmore community members.