By Rhonda Westfall

When the Make-A-Wish Foundation says it wants to "share the power of a wish," it delivers on the promise. The eye-popping, bright yellow dune buggy that was delivered to Barry Smith last week is proof positive of 'wishing power.'

Motoring around the yard in the spiffy vehicle was almost too good to be true for the St. Johns High School senior who was diagnosed last spring with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Up until that time, Smith was looking forward to the 2002 season on the Redwing football team - a desire beyond the power of even the Make-A-Wish folks.

The custom-built dune buggy is helping put a sparkle back in Smith's eyes.

"They asked me what I would wish for, and I said a dune buggy," the soft-spoken son of Jeff Smith and Jean Kemp said of the request that was made following an appointment with the oncologist. "I didn't know if it would really happen."

Smith, who was set to undergo another round of chemotherapy the day after the dune buggy was delivered, has responded well to the intensive treatments aimed at stemming the fast-growing cancer.

"So far, things are going well - the doctors are optimistic with his progress," his dad said, noting that Barry hopes to join his SJHS classmates within the next several weeks and complete his senior year.

The knowledge that the treatments appear to be working - and the joy of helping design the dune buggy - made the past six months a little more bearable.

"The Make-A-Wish people told him at the hospital, 'You just pick out exactly what you want it to look like,'" his mom said - and he did.

After doing some on-line research about dune buggy construction, Barry put together a list of components and then visited with designers at P&J Racing in St. Helen where the dune buggy was built to his specifications.

Even Make-A-Wish volunteer Gloria Odlum was impressed with the finished product when she helped celebrate its delivery on Barry's 18th birthday, Aug. 27.

"This is the best part of all - I get to do the fun stuff," the 'wish-giver' said of the special delivery. "It's wonderful getting to know Barry's family and friends."

The support system was very visible during a recent Make-A-Wish fundraiser at Michigan State University where 92 walkers - including the Redwing football and tennis teams - generated over $8,000 for the non-profit organization on behalf of Barry.

"Barry's 'team' made a very impressive showing at the walk," Odlum said.

Barry's family appreciates the efforts and donations made over the past few months that includes a surprise gift of a trailer by Terry Gill of Michigan Wire Cloth in St. Johns that will be used to transport the dune buggy.

"Many people have been so supportive of Barry and our family - we're very grateful," his mom and dad said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was created in 1980 with the mission of granting wishes of youth who have potentially life-threatening illnesses. More than 97,000 children have been helped since that time.