Rare Genetic Disorder Doesn’t Keep 9-Year-Old from ACM Awards

A 9-year-old from Virginia made the Facebook and Twitter pages of multiple celebrities after the 2015 ACM Awards. Haley Amber Hayes posed with Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum and more as she took her Make-a-Wish trip to Arlington, Texas.

Haley Hayes battles Pompe Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart and muscles. She was diagnosed in 2006, and with treatment has been making progress since. The story of her diagnosis is a compelling (if heartbreaking) read, especially for parents of young children. Her story and her spunky personality made her easy to embrace on the ACMs red carpet.

“Great hanging with Haley and Make-A-Wish America to kick off the ACM - Academy of Country Music Awards!" Rucker writes, sharing his photo.

Lady A, the Duck Dynasty crew and Lee Brice also spent time with her. Photos at WTVR-TV in Richmond, Va. show Haley with Rascal Flatts and preparing to take part in Garth Brooks’ ACM Awards performance. While the little girl hasn’t given an official statement, it’s safe to say she enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Learn more about Haley at her Helping Haley Facebook page.

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