Axle Logistics

Axle Logistics, Make-A-Wish grant four East Tennessee children their wishes

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Make-A-Wish East Tennessee partnered with Axle Logistics to grant wishes for four East Tennessee children with critical conditions.

The gift reveal party took place at Axle Logistics on Monday. One of the children whose wish was granted was Brodie Bridge, 15, from Loudon.

“I still can’t really believe it, it’s so awesome to have,” Bridge said. He was gifted a customized gaming computer he picks out the parts for himself, along with computer accessories, an Axle sweatshirt and his favorite snacks.

“I have wanted a gaming computer for a long time, it’s something I can play on and have a distraction from every day and not a vacation for a couple of days,” Bridge said.

The computer will serve as that distraction he’s needed since he was diagnosed with cancer last year.

Ali Fraley, VP of Learning and Development at Axle, said the company fully funded the four wishes.

“Our philanthropic focus has been at the core of this local organization since 2012, our inception, so what they’re doing over at East Tennessee Make-A-Wish, it’s just incredible to give back to the kids that are in such a season of life and we’re just happy to be a part of it,” she said.

The other three children received vacations; two to beaches and one to a snake exhibit in Minnesota.

“Having our team involved is a huge piece of everything that we do, being a local organization then being able to partner with an organization that’s giving back to the community, allowing our team to be involved in that moment, really allows them to see what they’re working for every day and allows them to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Fraley said.

Brodie can’t thank them enough for the gift that will help him feel like a kid again.

“These local businesses are awesome, and I never knew there was anything this great, but I’m glad they’re here,” he said.

WATE will be hosting a telethon to benefit Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on June 6 along with our sister station in Johnson City, WJHL.