MCKENZIE (September 1st) The McKenzie High/Middle School Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South surprised Jay Rogers by granting his wish between the 1st and 2nd quarters of play at the West Carroll War Eagles and the McKenzie Rebels football game. West Carroll freshman Jay Rogers was diagnosed last year with Ewing's sarcoma, a very rare type of bone cancer. Jay is the son of Wendy and Tim Rogers and the brother of West Carroll's #67 Daniel Rogers, all of Trezevant.

McKenzie FCA's goal was to grant a wish to a child with a life-threatening medical condition. Not only was their monetary goal attained, but Friday night the members of the McKenzie Fellowship of Christian Athletes had the opportunity to actually grant a wish to a Carroll County Make-A-Wish child.

With the help of St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis and encouragement from the community, Jay has battled through seemingly insurmountable odds. He has five rounds of chemotherapy remaining including the just-completed September 2nd treatment. He is preparing for a bone marrow transplant in November.

"A lot of people in McKenzie have heard about Jay and his condition and have been praying for him at individual churches in town. To be able to respond to his wish and needs in such a real way is important for the community," said volunteer Hollye Rider.

Jay wished for a Polaris Ranger so that he and his family could enjoy hunting trips and riding through the woods together. Jay was all smiles as members of the FCA drove the ATV onto the field for the presentation as the "When You Wish upon a Star" music played. The ATV's camouflaged seat covers, roof, and gun rack were a gift to Jay from Hatchie Bottoms in Huntingdon, Tennessee.

As the Polaris, loaded with McKenzie students, drove onto the playing field, fans from both sides of the field stood in celebration. Jay's mother, Wendy was weeping with emotion and Jay stood in awe.

Laura Beth Fowler was one of the many McKenzie students who helped raise the $12,000 necessary for the Polaris. She had the honor of driving the Polaris from the McKenzie grandstands to West Carroll's sidelines. Members of the FCA moved to the West Carroll sidelines displaying banners in honor of Jay. "MMS/MHS loves you Jay," read one handheld sign. A sea of red and gray descended on this young man wearing a War Eagles jersey. For the moment, all attention was focused on the selfless generosity of students from the opposing team and Jay Rogers, who is fighting his own battles in life.

"It's the best thing I've ever done," said Miss Fowler of her involvement with the fund raising. The gift was a total surprise to Jay. "The expression on his face was like nothing could equal. Nothing could repay for what I saw on his face," said Fowler. She was pleased that the people from McKenzie and West Carroll could witness the gift.

The organization had been raising money to help another young person from Union City, but circumstances changed. Rider, who volunteers for Make-A-Wish, said "out of the clear blue sky" she received an informational packet about Jay from Make-A-Wish. She met with Jay and the Rogers family and approached the McKenzie FCA to fund the young man's "wish".

Fowler said most of the McKenzie students had heard about Jay and were eager to help.

Funds were raised by dodge ball tournaments, fund-raising drives at churches, and donations in honor and in memory of someone. The donation of the Polaris represents two years of fund raising by the group.

"All kids involved said it was probably one of the best things they've ever done," said Mrs. Rider. "Giving blesses the giver," she continued, "I'm so impressed with those kids in FCA."

Jay stated, "I would like to thank everyone who donated money for the Polaris and would like for everyone to continue praying for my recovery."

The MMS FCA advisors are Josh Kee and George Ognibene and the MHS FCA advisors are Kevin Gallimore and Dan Ridley.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The children served by Make-A-Wish are referred to the Foundation by physicians, social workers, their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the children themselves. The Foundation does not solicit wishes.

Wish requests range from a puppy, shopping spree, computer, newly-decorated bedroom, trip to Disney World, or meeting the President of the United States. Whatever that special child's wish may be they move heaven and earth to make it come true.

For more information, please contact Amanda Sexton at Make-A-Wish at 901-864-3736 or visit their web site: www.midsouthwish.org.

A mobile home fire that claimed the life of a McKenzie man Thursday morning is under investigation by the Tennessee Bomb and Arson Division, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Carroll County Sheriff's Department.

David Rash, 32, perished in the early morning blaze at 3910 Hinkledale Road, approximately 3.9 miles from McKenzie. Rash, who had reportedly been confined to a wheelchair for several years, was found near the front entrance door of the home.

Howard Rash, the victim's brother who resides on Winston Road in McKenzie but was at the mobile home at the time of the fire, reportedly managed to escape out the rear of the home before it collapsed.

McKenzie Regional EMS Paramedic Johnny Sexton examines Howard Rash after his escape from the burning structure.

According to records, McKenzie Fire and Rescue, along with Trezevant and Macedonia fire departments, responded to a 911 call at the location at 5:55 a.m. after being notified by the Carroll County Sheriff's Department.

Firefighters were advised enroute to the scene that a victim was possibly inside the burning structure. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully involved in fire and Assistant Chief Roger Christian received confirmation that someone was inside the home. After containing the blaze, firefighters located the deceased.

Carroll County Coroner Steve Cantrell arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim dead at 6:46 a.m. An autopsy was ordered and the remains were sent to the Tennessee Medical Examiner's Office in Nashville. Results of those findings should be available in four to six weeks, said Cantrell.

Three animals that were in the home at the fire of the fire also perished, according to one authority.

Tennessee Bomb and Arson team, including Ron Powers, Jessica Shannon, Kevin Isley and Michael Woodyard arrived on the scene to begin an investigation, along with TBI Agent Joe Walker, CCSO Sheriff Bendell Bartholomew, Sgt. Lee Bates, Investigator Becky Keith, Investigator Tim Meggs, and deputies Jonathan McDowell and Eric Sawyers.

Bob Pollard, assistant director of Tennessee Bomb and Arson, said the team's presence does not necessarily mean that foul play is suspected in the case.

"We are there to assist the Carroll County Sheriff's Department and the TBI in determining the origin of the fire," said Pollard, who noted that anytime an unexplained fire involving a fatality occurs, they are called to assist.

Howard Rash received treatment from McKenzie Regional EMS personnel at the scene, according to authorities.

No further information was available at press time. The origin and cause of the fire had not been determined at press time and the case remains under investigation. Anyone having information concerning the blaze is asked to call Tennessee Bomb and Arson at 1-800-762-3017.