Teenager Henderson's battle with cancer leads to Las Vegas Grand Prix wish come true | Formula 1 | sport

As 16-year-old Gabrielle Lowe sat in a hospital bed last year after being diagnosed with lymphoma, she spent some of her free time watching the Formula 1 Netflix series “Drive To Survive” – ​​words that also captured her fight against could describe the cancer.

“It was really hard during my treatment. It felt like my bones were stretching at that point,” the Henderson teen said of her treatment. “I was in constant pain. But honestly, I think my parents had it even worse than me because they had to deal with all the money problems and all the trauma of seeing their child go through that.”

While watching the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix on television with her father last year, a moment in the race cemented her obsession with the sport.

“I know the exact moment I became a fan was when Max Verstappen cut off Charles Leclerc in the first corner of the first lap and I got so angry that I thought: 'You (Leclerc) are my favorite driver now and me.' I've been looking at this forever now.'”

After the race, she watched every episode of Drive to Survive and watched every Grand Prix race every weekend.

“This means so much to me”

The now-forgotten Coronado High School student's wish was to attend this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix. And race officials and the local chapter of Make-A-Wish worked together to make this happen.

On Thursday afternoon, Lowe arrived at the F1 Grand Prix Plaza to inspect the area as race preparations are underway. To her surprise, Lowe was greeted by show F1 cars and showered with various Grand Prix gifts, including a large replica of Leclerc's car and four grandstand tickets to this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix.

“I was definitely shocked by the cars because I was just expecting the tour, but I wasn't expecting to see the cars right in front of me,” she said. “It means a lot to me because it’s been really tough the last few years. But oh my God, this means so much to me.”

This year, those responsible for the Grand Prix surprised people who are doing great things in the community with race tickets. But given Lowe's backstory, this surprise is one of the most special, according to Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of corporate affairs for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

“We have loved honoring exceptional locals throughout Southern Nevada, but this one is extra special,” Nelson-Kraft said. “It's a real honor when you get a call from Make-A-Wish Nevada and they share exciting stories like Gabbie's. Everyone on our side just wanted to get involved and said, 'What can we do to make this special for them?'”

“It takes a community to fulfill a wish”

After granting 187 wishes last year and working with 230 children this year to ensure their wishes were granted, Scott Rosenzweig, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, said it made it a little easier for everyone the race takes place in their backyard.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but we know it takes a community to make a wish come true,” Rosenzweig said. “We reach out to community-minded companies and partners, just like Formula 1… who have done incredible work with us during their time here in Vegas to make wishes like Gabrielle's come true.”

Now that things are back on track at Coronado, Lowe said she is looking forward to finishing her high school career and going to college to pursue her dream job.

“My dream is to become a veterinarian because I have always loved animals,” Lowe said. “I knew from the age of six that I wanted to work with animals. I can't wait to go to college because people are always like, “I want to leave.” But I love my parents, but I also like having my own space. And I can’t wait for the next step in my life.”

Contact Mick Akers at [email protected] or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.