Teen who wanted to be Chicago firefighter becomes milestone gift for Make-A-Wish Illinois

Chicago Proud Teen who wanted to be Chicago firefighter becomes milestone gift for Make-A-Wish Illinois A teen with cerebral palsy and epilepsy who wanted to be a CFD firefighter became a milestone gift for Make-A-Wish Illinois. WLS By Karen Jordan Tuesday, November 10, 2026 12:03AM Share CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Make-A-Wish Foundation celebrated a major milestone in granting a dream come true for a teenager who wanted to be a Chicago firefighter. For most people, a fire house is a place they only see from the outside. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch But Kayleigh Carpenter, 17, got a chance to become a firefighter for a day thanks to Make-A-Wish Illinois and the Chicago Fire Department, who arrived at her Avalon Park home first thing in the morning. "She was very excited, especially when we were at the house and she saw the fire truck come around the corner. Her eyes got really big and she was surprised," mother Rashonda Hunt said. Firefighters gave Carpenter a demonstration of how some of the equipment works, then outfitted her with a uniform. She was then able to see what it's like putting out a fire. Carpenter, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and has faced significant medical challenges, has always been drawn to first responders. Her mom was grateful for such a generous gift. "For me it was just nice to see a smile on her face and see how happy she was to do something like this," Hunt said. Evanston Township HS student killed in Deerfield crash involving Chicago Tribune box truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over 2023 Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE while boarding domestic flight to be released Carpenter was sworn in as an honorary firefighter by Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt. "She will remember her strength, believe in her courage and keep the support of her firefighter family close to her heart," Nance-Holt said. And she was also paid a visit by actor David Eigenberg from the show "Chicago Fire." "Kayleigh Carpenter is a fine young lady who has so much joy in her heart and takes care of people, and that's what the fire department does here, the police department, people in Chicago do," Eigenberg said The gift was also a milestone for Make-A-Wish Illinois. Carpenter was the 20,000th child to have a wish granted. She was nominated for the surprise by her neurologist. "We hear from doctors and nurses and social workers who are working with these children, saying that looking forward to a wish brings a lot of joy and hope and something to look forward to," said Casey Marsh, CEO of Make-A-Wish Illinois. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SOCIETY CHICAGO AVALON PARK CHICAGO PROUD MAKE A WISH MAKE A-WISH CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT SkyRise Chicago draws more than 2K climbers to Willis Tower Suburban Halloween display inspired by child draws community support UIC clinic gives athletes with disabilities a chance to connect My Brother's Keeper Chicago earns Obama Foundation certification Watch Live ON NOW ETHS student killed in suburban crash involving Chicago Tribune truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE to be released Man convicted of fatally stabbing young suburban mom 120 times in 1966 12 minutes ago Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane after taking off from LAX 3 hours ago Voice recorder from Florida jet crash recovered by investigators 1 hour ago Mother charged in OD death of 12-year-old daughter: Joliet police Suburban hospital placed on EMS bypass as owner fails to make payroll