By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON/For the Reporter

WILSONVILLE – Wade’s Wagon Drive is coming to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham this Christmas.

The donated toy wagons are filled with hand-made cards and crafts to bring joy to patients. The idea was created by former patient Wade White, a 14-year-old Wilsonville resident who recently was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and had major abdominal surgery while at Children’s.

“I want to give back to kids like me,” Wade said. “I want Wade’s Wagon Drive to be a year round deal where I can encourage kids, especially teenagers.”

Wade, son of Kim and Ben White of Wilsonville, is an eighth grade student at Columbiana Middle School, where he was chosen Student of the Month in September. He plays alto saxophone in the marching band, is a member of the Columbiana Library Teen Advisory Board and loves drama.

In August, Wade began experiencing debilitating abdominal pain and extreme vomiting. At Children’s Hosiptal, Wade was diagnosed with Crohn’s, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of mainly the small intestine. After a five-day stay on IV fluids to give his gastrointestinal tract a rest, Wade came home with a new diet: No raw vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts or corn. Two weeks later, the pain was back, which meant another trip to Children’s and stronger medicine.

In October, Wade, still not feeling well, was determined to attend a band competition in Alexander City. While performing, his abdominal pain became excruciating. He called his parents who came and took him again to Children’s.

“God just lifted our car,” said Kim. “After much prayer, Ben and I signed the papers for surgery. There was a major blockage in the ileum.”

The surgeon removed the diseased blockage of Wade’s small and large intestines and reconnected the healthy parts. Wade is recovering well.

Help fill Wade’s wagons by bringing cards of encouragement and crafts– no get well cards – to the drop off location at Alan’s Outdoors in Columbiana. Wade will deliver the goods to Children’s Hospital this Christmas season. You can also send items to Wade at 211 Davis Road, Wilsonville, AL 35186. For more info, email mrswhitecbk@yahoo.com.