Big Bend teen receives Swift-themed Hawaii sendoff from Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

 

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A self-proclaimed "Swiftie" is going to Hawaii next week. Tonight, Jocelyn Gervais got a big send-off from Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, which combined the Big Bend teen's love for luaus and Taylor Swift music.

You could say this night was "enchanted" and that Jocelyn is "ready for it." Her Hawaiian vacation send-off with a Taylor Swift theme was provided by Landmark and Make-A-Wish.

Jocelyn loves to cheer. She's 14, has a lot of great friends, and she loves Taylor Swift.

"We've got Swifties, we've got others who've been to Hawaii, and they put together everything just to make it a special experience for her and her family," said Brian Melter, chief experience officer, Landmark Credit Union.

And while a partnership between Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and Landmark Credit Union ensured a great night here in Brookfield, this smiling teen's had challenging days too, living with cystic fibrosis since birth.

"It's a chronic condition; it does not go away. There's no cure and it requires treatments every day. A lot of the time, the treatment is these special vests that shake the lungs to loosen everything up so they can get the stuff out, and it often requires hospitalization," said Forrest Doolen, senior director of marketing, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

The Big Bend teenager got to celebrate the night with friends and family Swiftie-style, sharing number 13 tattoos, making friendship bracelets and just having fun. It's heartwarming for those who've come to care about her, like Sara Ziebert.

"Let them forget about the medical deals for a little bit and enjoy themselves," said Ziebert, volunteer with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

Jocelyn and her immediate family from Big Bend will get to spend one week in Hawaii.

"And they are gonna be treated to a luau while they're there. She is gonna be able to swim in the ocean," said Doolen.

Jocelyn and her family leave for Hawaii on Monday.