A Missouri girl battling leukemia will get her Make-a-Wish playhouse.
A Raymore homeowners' association relented last week, and granted six-year-old Ella Joe Schultz the dream house she hoped for.
The decision came after a nationwide outcry against the homeowners' association, which initially denied the Schultz family's request to grant their daughter's wish.
The playhouse violates the subdivision's policy on outside structures, but the organisation decided it could grant an exception.
"Today, we are happy to share that we have reached a positive resolution to ensure Ella's playhouse will be constructed," the association said in a statement released Thursday. "Our board met with JE Dunn Construction and Make a Wish to gather additional information, and while we still have a few details and timelines to work out, we collectively reached the conclusion that Ella will get her wish. We couldn't be more pleased to see that happen."
Ella's father, Pete, said he received the good news from Make-a-Wish Missouri the same day.
"Apparently, they all talked it out and we're good to go," he said. "I couldn't wait to tell Ella."
Ella's family reported that she was still in the University of Kansas Hospital on Thursday after being admitted on Tuesday due to an infection and high fever. She felt better after hearing the good news, however.
"She was just thrilled," Pete confirmed. "So happy, so excited. Turned her day around. We're so grateful to everyone for how this worked out."
Ella has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has had to delay kindergarten. She receives multiple IV treatments on a daily basis, and has had several surgeries. Her parents said she deserved the playhouse because of what she has endured, but were not willing to fight the homeowners' association over the denial.
