Passengers cheer as flight attendant celebrates 6-year-old girl who beat cancer: 'A fighter'

Some celebrations go a long way and some long ways deserve a celebration. A Southwest Airlines flight took a moment to honor a Make-A-Wish recipient who had beaten cancer at the age of six. The girl's mother, Laura Marie (@lauramree), posted the sweet moment with her daughter, Jessa, on TikTok. The "mama to a warrior" uploaded the sweet gesture, which garnered a million views. It was captioned, "@Southwest Airlines, thank you for everything you did for Jessa on our way to and from her trip. Every flight crew we had was amazing, but on our last trek home, they took the cake. We can't thank you enough for being a huge part of our trip." 

A flight attendant can be seen in the video clip announcing that there was a "very, very special guest" on the plane who they wanted to celebrate. He introduced six-year-old Jessa, who was standing next to him wearing a bright Minnie Mouse T-shirt and explained that she was returning from her Make-A-Wish foundation trip. He began the announcement by saying, "Hi everybody if we could have your attention for just a few moments. We have a very very special guest on board here today that we wanted to recognize. This is Miss Jessa. One of the things that is very near and dear to the hearts of all of us here at Southwest is the Make a Wish Foundation and Miss Jessa is on her way home from her Make a Wish Foundation Trip."

"Miss Jessa is about to turn 7. And she — are y'all ready for this? — has just beaten cancer and is now cancer-free. How do you like that?" he explained over the intercom as the passengers burst out clapping and cheering. He continued, "Yes, that is an amazing accomplishment...We want to welcome you home. We want to wish you a very healthy, happy, prosperous, and long life ahead," he added. "Keep your head up. Keep your chin up. Keep fighting, takes a fighter, doesn't it? I'm glad you're here with us." Jessa's mother had previously posted clips from a recent trip to Disney World that was tagged "MakeAWish" sharing a part of her daughter's health journey.

She also released a video clip on TikTok in August of 2022 announcing Jessa's cancer-free status after "762 days, 61 chemo infusions, and hundreds of pills." She added about the "leukemia warrior" that "she is done. It is done," marking the end of her successful treatment. TikTok users were thrilled to witness this announcement. "I started crying when he said make a wish, then cried harder when he said she beat cancer bless her heart," commented @yumptious. "Cheers to a long beautiful life Jessa," said @2headedsnake. They also congratulated Jessa's mom for holding on to strength. "Congrats Jessa BUT ALSO congrats momma! the behind the scenes work that you do is probably so stressful. it's over! you get to watch your girl grow up," wrote @callienc0. "We are so proud of you Jessa! We’re honored to be a part of your trip!" added @Southwest Airlines.