8-year-old patient with cancer becomes veterinarian for a day

Addie, pictured alongside her family, spent the day as a veterinarian. (All images courtesy of Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine).

One patient with cancer's dream of becoming a veterinarian came true thanks to Make-A-Wish Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, according to a university release.

Addie, who arrived at OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in a white limousine, was welcomed with opened arms by faculty, staff, and students and gifted a white coat that she proudly sported along with hospital scrubs and a stethoscope.

Addie made her rounds shadowing various experts, including an anesthesia specialist, zoological medicine expert, the theriogenology team, and more. She also assisted with performing wellness exams on puppies and kittens, learned all about anesthesia, and helped deliver puppies from a stuffed animal dog. Additionally, Addie was exposed to a variety of exotic animals and helped perform a pregame exam on OSU’s equine mascot, Bullet.

Addie helped perform wellness exams on a cat and dog during her special day.

“It was a privilege for us to grant Addie’s wish to be a veterinarian for a day,” says Jeff Studer, DVM, director of OSU Veterinary. “Our faculty, staff, and students enjoyed showing Addie what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Our team [members] are experts at making dreams come true, and it was an honor for us to be part of this special day for Addie.”

Addie’s day concluded with a “graduation” ceremony. OSU officials, students, and basketball team members attended along with Make-A-Wish Oklahoma CEO and other members of the nonprofit. Addie’s departure from the hospital was epic. She was cheered on by hospital staff and praised for her hard work. It was an unforgettable day for Addie and the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine community.

Addie was applauded and congratulated by the hospital staff as she headed home.

For more highlights from Addie’s special day, visit here.