In Portland, August 6 is now known as “Mermaid Day” in solidarity with people living with spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative muscle disease.
This August, 10-year-old Wren Grabham was surprised when Make-a-Wish Oregon made her wish of having a swim spa come true. Wren loves swimming like a mermaid and wanted a place to have pool parties with her friends.
Wren has spinal muscular atrophy and has used a wheelchair since she was 3. However, in the water, Wren can move much more easily and can sometimes even stand up straight.
“I love to swim, I can float around all day,” she said.
Over 150 people came to Wren’s surprise block party and the mayor has officially named the day “Mermaid Day” in honor of Wren and her love of swimming.