BETHPAGE, Tenn. (WTVF) — If it's one thing we love to see, it's a happy surprise for a local kid. The surprise in store for one tough kid was unlike anything we'd seen before.
"I have pictures everywhere," said teen Brylee Crutcher, showing decorations of highland miniature cows around her room. "I have stuffed animals, bed sheets. That's a puzzle I did. I painted that picture with my sister. It's a lot of highland stuff!"
There's so much comfort for Brylee, out in Bethpage on her family's farm.
"Brylee's the fourth generation [on the farm] and sixth generation in this community," said Brylee's mother, Jennifer.
This community was ready with all the comfort they could give when Brylee was delivered some difficult news.
"The week before her 15th birthday, she started having a few little health problems," Jennifer continued. "We went to the doctor. She was diagnosed with malignant ovarian cancer. She cried all the way home, and I said: 'That's it. The weapon is formed, but it won't prosper, and we're going to get this done,' She's now in remission."
Throughout the journey, the people of Bethpage banded together, raising $72,000 dollars for Brylee.
"We are yet to pay a hospital bill out of our pocket yet," said Jennifer.
The gifts weren't finished.
A little while before we met Brylee, a lot of people started arriving at the family farm. Brylee was taken out of school early. Driving up to the house, it was clear there was a surprise waiting. At the farm, she was gifted a miniature highland cow.
"It does not feel real," Brylee smiled. "I was, like, 'Is that mine or did somebody's cow get over here?' He's very cute. His name is Homer. He looks like a Homer."
Brylee's always wanted to adopt a miniature highland cow.
On Friday, a partnership of Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee and the Tractor Supply Foundation brought Homer to Brylee along with everything Homer will need.
"He gonna sleep in the bed with you?" Jennifer asked Brylee.
"I'm gonna need a ramp built," Brylee laughed.
"Very good day," she continued. "I'm so overwhelmed with happiness right now."
This event is Tractor Supply’s 12th Wish Reveal Celebration in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee.
"Embrace change. Embrace difference. Embrace community. Embrace one another. Most importantly, embrace love for yourself. That's where it all starts."
We are known for our beautiful murals, and as a gift to Nashville, NewsChannel 5 wanted to create one too. We want to introduce you to the artist we’ve chosen to design something special for the city we love.
News
Meet the artist behind the upcoming mural NewsChannel 5 has commissioned
"We've moved so many times and so many things where you could have gave up and we never did and God was always there to lead, guide and direct us"
On December 10, 2021, their world changed. Twenty-four people in Mayfield among 80 dead across the midwest after a tornado ravaged their town. Amy Watson returned to Mayfield as families take another step in their long road to recovery.
News
'We finally have a home!' Survivors of devastating Mayfield tornado get new home
"They are basically trapped inside."
For one Middle Tennessee couple, their options are slim. They can't easily get in and our of their house with their current ramp, and it's not something they can afford to fix. Carrie Sharp sat down with the family who is hoping someone, anyone can help.
News
The ramp that once helped this elderly couple is now too dangerous to use
"We didn't think we'd be this miserable and forced to live in our car"
Since our original report about a family out $165,000 dollars, the state of Tennessee has launched an investigation into UBuildIt. For this family, a resolution can't come soon enough.
News
They gave a home builder $165,000. They're living in their car a year later
"I just want to say thank you to everyone"
We've been following the story of the deplorable conditions at Roundtree Manor Apartments; rats had chewed through cabinets, doors and even a playpen. Since our story first aired, big changes have taken place. Now families are moving back in to a much different place than they left.
News
Family's home at Roundtree Manor Apartments now rat-free and renovated
"It's the voice of democracy getting slaughtered."
New rules imposed by House Republicans for the special session set an escalating series of punishments for violation of debate rules, which were used in silencing Democrat Justin Jones. NewsChannel 5 Investigates found less than conclusive evidence that Jones did anything wrong.
Revealed 2023
Special session renews questions about GOP silencing debate in Tennessee House
“My dad and his buddies they took out their boats… they were unloading their boats trying to go help people. My dad has always been my hero."
Two years ago, everything changed for the families in Waverly, Tennessee. Between deadly flooding and COVID, high school seniors at Waverly high school talk to Carrie Sharp about weathering high school, a deadly flood...and what comes next.
News