x
Breaking News
More () »

Local woman gets to meet Willie Nelson

When Allison Dickson was 15 months old, she was diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease, a form of muscular dystrophy which affects the respiratory system.

When Allison Dickson was 15 months old, she was diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease, a form of muscular dystrophy which affects the respiratory system.

Doctors told her parents she wouldn't live more than a year after that.

Then, 3 years ago, she ended up on life support and in the hospital for five months.

So, at 37 years old, Allison wanted just one thing for Christmas: to meet Willie Nelson in Belton.

Dickson's illness leaves her with several restrictions, including travel. She's not allowed to go further than 10 miles from home, meaning Nelson's appearance at the Bell County Expo Center's 30th anniversary celebration could be her only chance to meet him.

She also has to go through breathing treatments with a nurse three times a day.

"Willie is a legend," Dickson said. "He's a national treasure. I don't know who isn't a Willie Nelson fan."

Allison's post, asking for the gift of a meet and greet with one of the biggest music stars in the nation wound up in from of Paula Nelson, Willie's daughter.

On Tuesday, Dickson said Paula told her it's a done deal and she'll get to meet Willie Nelson in Belton.

"We're looking forward to the show here and it sounds like it's going to be a great show for her and for everyone else," Tim Stephens, Executive Director of the Bell County Expo Center, said. "But certainly a special one for her if she's going to get to meet him. That's great."

March's concert, although two months away, for Dickson, it's a long way from where she was in the hospital.

"I don't need easy," Dickson said. "I just need possible."

Before You Leave, Check This Out