Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Katie Moritz

A trip to the CMAs gave this Minnesota teen a reason to keep living

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Make-A-Wish Minnesota sent Jade Ochu to the CMA Awards.
Jade Ochu is battling a rare blood disease. Make-A-Wish Minnesota sent her to the CMA Awards to meet her favorite musicians.
Courtesy of Make-A-Wish Minnesota

When Jade Ochu was just a baby, she was diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis, a rare, painful and incurable blood condition. She was close to giving up on her treatments a couple of years ago.

That’s when Make-A-Wish Minnesota stepped in with the chance of a lifetime: a trip to the Country Music Association Awards.

Jade, now 18, and her mom, Shonna Gacke, talked about the life-changing experience.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.