Video: Local Teen Gets A Big Surprise

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HATLEY, Miss. (WCBI) – One local teenage has been fighting a rare disease since February. Now, back home from treatment with her family and friends, the fifteen year old was in for the surprise of her life today, surrounded by her classmates, coaches and teachers.

An explosion of cheers filled the Hatley High School gym. Decked in their orange attire, they were all there to support a special friend. Six months ago, sophomore Serra Pearson received a devastating diagnosis. A rare autoimmune disease now has her spending time with family and friends, instead of in the classroom.

But, today, Serra returned to her school, where Make A Wish organizers and her friends were waiting, with a surprise.

Next month, Serra and her family will spend a week at the Disney World Resort in Florida.

“I didn’t even know what to say, I was just speechless,” said Serra Pearson.

At the ceremony, Serra basketball coaches and teammates presented her with a new basketball uniform. She says the sport taught her lessons, both on and off the court.

“Basketball has taught me to push through things and to make sure in everything I do, I do it at my best,” said Pearson.

Through this unexpected journey, she says her strength to push forward came from one place.

“We don’t know what God has planned for us but sometimes we just have to put our faith and our trust in Him and know that He has His plans and He knows what he is going to do. We just have to thank God for everyday that we live and just live each day like it could be our last,” said Pearson.

Serra says she is very excited about the visiting place where dreams really do come true.

“Like, I’m just pumped,” exclaimed Pearson.

During the ceremony, Pearson was also nominated as a Hatley High School sophomore homecoming maid.