CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Whitleigh Cook is raising money to make as many wishes come true for young children as she can.
Cook is a Topcat, a member of the Panthers popular cheer squad. She's also a Make-A-Wish ambassador trying to make a difference in the lives of young children.
Spending time with a special girl and her family is helping Cook with her motivation to fulfill the wishes of families going through hardships in their life.
As Cook and Josie Fesperman look over pictures of her wish trip to Walt Disney World, you can hear the joy in Fesperman's voice.
It's hard to imagine what Fesperman has gone through.
Fesperman,6, was born with a rare genetic immune disease. Her body was incapable of creating antibodies and she spent the first three years of her life in the hospital. Now healthy Fesperman is inspiring others like Cook.
"As an adult I've realized it's really easy to get caught up in deadlines and dates, appointments and goals, but you also have to remember that life is really beautiful and that's what she's taught me," Cook said.
Cook's work with Make-A-Wish led her to the Wish Society Women Inspiring Strength and Hope, an organization that brings women together so that they can make a greater impact on the community.
"I'm happy and healthy in life and if I can help someone else enjoy their life going through a hardship, then I'm doing something good in the world," Cook said.
Click here for more on how you can help Cook reach her fundraising goal.