A big house for a little doll
By María Eugenia Guerra
Jamie Paredes, a four-year-old San Ygnacio resident who is undergoing treatment for cancer of the kidney and liver, made a wish for a backyard playhouse of her own.
On July 21, that dream came true when IBC of Zapata, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and a cadre of volunteers assembled a beautiful doll house in the Paredes' back yard.
The beautiful little house, which is fully furnished, features windows that open, dormers, lighting, a loft, flower boxes, a picket fence, and a Dutch door. The house was wired by Jamie's uncle Armando Paredes and then air conditioned for Jamie's comfort.
Laredo florist Mine Ramirez and Alberto Guardiola spearheaded the effort to build and furnish the structure to Jamie's wishes. Among the businesses and individuals who worked together on the project were IBC Zapata staff members, Carmin's Flower Shop, the Laredo Country Club, Armando Martinez, Martin Brizuela, Ricky Castillo, Bobby Perez, Aurelio Cavazos, Juan Salazar, Clara Aguirre, Ruben Guardian, Lee's Beauty Salon, Aurora Guardiola, Manuel Santillan, Santillan's Construction, Danny and David Garza, Vicente Astudillo, the Golden Shrimp, Juan Angel Soliz, Elsie Flores, Oscar Gutierrez, Ernesto Botello, Carlos Garza, and Caitlin Freeman.
“This was a project that touched us all deeply,” said Mine Ramirez. “We loved coming together this way to make Jamie happy.”
Jamie is the daughter of Lety and Francisco Paredes. Her brothers Hector, Danny, and Wally also participated in the construction of the 10-by-12 foot play house, as did members of a motorcycle club called The Renegades.
“So much kindness and thoughtfulness went into Jamie's house,” said Lety Paredes. “There were many, many gifts for Jamie's enjoyment and comfort. We are very appreciative of everyone's contributions and especially those of Renato Ramirez at IBC in Zapata and Mine Ramirez in Laredo .”
Anyone who would like to add to Jamie Paredes' doll house furnishings can call her mother at 765-0186.
