CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Preston Wix turned seven years old last week. Since he could not have guests for a party due to the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family sent video messages wishing him a happy birthday. Preston also received a special message from the University of Tennessee’s Men’s Basketball Team, of which he is a huge fan.
Preston’s mom, Courtney Wix, reached out the UT director of basketball operations Mary-Carter Eggert, who collected video messages from current and former players.
“A kid’s birthday is one of the most special days of the year,” said rising sophmore Uroš Plavšić, who recorded his message while visiting home in Ivanjica, Serbia. “As soon as I heard Preston was going to celebrate his birthday without his friends, I knew I wanted to reach out, wish him happy birthday and check in on him and his family. I told him that hopefully this will all be over soon, but at this point we need to stay home and stay disciplined for everyone’s safety. Nobody wants to be alone in general, but especially not on their birthday. That’s why I decided to record a message. I hope it put a smile on his face and made him not feel so isolated. In times like this, we should all check on each other more often and spread love, positivity and good vibes. That is going to help us get through this.”
“I’ve got a heart for kids, and my little cousins recently experienced the same thing going—where they couldn’t have an actual party. So it was really the least I could do. I always love putting a smile on someone’s face, and I’m very happy I could do that for Preston. I feel like our entire team enjoys that sort of thing,” Drew Pember, another rising sophomore.
Preston said it was great birthday, and he was very grateful to hear from the players he looks up to.
“Thank you for showing up on T.V and thank you for telling me happy birthday,” said Preston in a video response. “You’re my favorite team. Go Vols!”
“It just really touched me that [they players] would take time out of their day to wish him a happy birthday.” said Courtney.
“Preston was in disbelief that they were actually talking to him. He was in shock! Thank you so much to these sweet players and cheerleader for taking precious time to help make sure his quarantine birthday celebration was extra special for Preston. He was absolutely wired with excitement after this,” said Wix in a Facebook post.