Georgetown girl to be on Banks' TV show

A Lowcountry teenager who dreamed of meeting supermodel Tyra Banks was told her wish was a little lofty.

Representatives from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which attempts to meet requests for children with life-threatening illnesses, told Courtney Wright, who received treatment for ovarian cancer at the Medical University of South Carolina, not to get her hopes up.

Earlier this month, Banks agreed to meet Wright and a handful of other girls who wished to meet the model and talk show host.

Wright, of Georgetown, left Jan. 8 for New York City, where "The Tyra Banks Show" is taped.

"I'm excited and overwhelmed," Wright said before leaving on the trip. "I don't know what to think."

As a guest on Banks' show, Wright had a chance to experience modeling, another dream. Banks and other girls modeled Baby Phat clothing. The runway act will be featured in a segment of Banks' show scheduled to air at 9 a.m. Wednesday on the local CBS affiliate.

The Beach Co. adopted Wright's wish after MUSC Dr. Elizabeth Gagliardi recommended Wright for the program.

"She is just a great kid," Gagliardi said. "This is making her so happy, and she deserves so much happiness."

The 17-year-old's cancer is currently in remission and she's feeling better than ever. She has re-enrolled as a junior at Georgetown High School and said she might cross paths with Banks again someday.

"I wish I could meet her again in the celebrity life," Wright said. "I'll get there again. I will see her soon."

Reach Jessica Johnson at 937-5921 or jjohnson@postandcourier.com.