CLAYTON, N.C. (WNCN) — A little girl battling a devastating disease received a hero’s welcome in Clayton Saturday.
For nearly a year, Noelle Franklin has battled an aggressive bone cancer. Now, she is back home receiving hospice care, and her community came together to show their love.
As cheers and bubbles filled the air, people lined Main Street in Clayton to catch a glimpse of a hero.
“She is the most courageous person I have ever met,” said Deon Reddick, a friend of the Franklin family.
Balloons and brightly colored signs shared messages of encouragement.
“Noelle, we love you, and we’re praying for you, and we think you’re an amazing young lady,” said Brenda Kline, who learned about Noelle from a friend.
As a line of police cars rounded the corner, the sirens sounded and an open window revealed a little girl wearing bunny ears, greeting her well-wishers with a wave and a smile that captures the hearts of everyone she meets.
“Noelle is just a precious child that you can’t help but fall in love with when you follow her and know her story,” said Stephanie Parker, a pastor at the Franklins’ church.
Parker has seen the 7-year-old battling stage 4 osteosarcoma. In less than a year, Noelle lost a leg and a lung to the aggressive bone cancer, but her spirit shines through even on her most difficult days.
“You see her strength, you see her tenacity, you see her endurance,” marveled Reddick.
She and her son Maurice Jones say Noelle inspires them every day.
“She’s changed my outlook,” Jones explained. “Everything – what your health means to you, being on earth means, your purpose, everything.”
Noelle’s story has touched lives across the country. Her family updates followers on Facebook and now that Noelle is home under hospice care, her community is wrapping its arms around her.
“Noelle has my heart, and she knows that,” said Parker. “Noelle, I just think you are awesome. You are a teacher, and you inspire so many people each and every day. Never doubt that, and you keep being you and shining your light bright.”
Noelle’s light is already bringing people together. Friends and strangers stood side by side to welcome her home on this Easter weekend.
“It reminds me love has no color. Love has no age; love has no restrictions,” said Reddick. “It makes me re-believe in people; it makes me know that there really are genuinely naturally good people left in the world, and that’s what Noelle has made Clayton and everybody around discover.”
