Tiny Mississippi leukemia survivor has wish granted, becomes Ole Miss cheerleader for a day
Published 3:48 pm Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Van, a junior elementary education major from Brandon, said seeing the family that has gone through so much, yet remain grateful, helps the team keep the proper perspective on life’s important things. Also, seeing Rowan exemplify a kind of courage and strength that belies her young age is powerful, she said.
“Her story is a testament to her life, and hopefully she will get to use that to impact others,” Van said. “She will make a big impact by telling that story. God gives us this opportunity.
“Whenever you pour your life and your heart into something, you always get back more than you pour out.”
At the game Saturday, Rowan cheered loudly in the northeast corner of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium as the Rebels crushed New Mexico State 41-3.
Chris Neff stood on the sidelines, watching it all. He said the last time he was at field level there was as a student during Ole Miss’ postgame celebration of the 2002 victory over then-top 10-ranked Florida.
He was happy to be there with his daughter and his family, and surrounded by fellow vets.
“It’s always great to come home to Ole Miss,” Chris Neff said. “I’ve always sat in the stands and never thought I’d be able to do something like this.”
Rowan’s mom watched Rowan from the VIP area on the sideline Saturday. She said nothing about her daughter’s confidence alongside the cheerleaders in the large stadium surprises her.
“She will try anything,” Naomi Neff said. “I can’t wait to see what else she does in her little life. It’s so fun to watch her now that she feels better.”
The Student Veterans Association accepts nominations for Ole Miss Wish through email, and requests can be sent to Andrew Newby at veterans@olemiss.edu.
By Michael Newsom, University of Mississippi Communications
