Headlines: Make-A-Wish Oklahoma Grants Ailing Teen’s Request to Give Piano to Teacher

A Mustang teenager recently honored his piano teacher with a “grand” gesture. 

As a young boy listening to classical music, Andrew Vargas loved to stand on top of an old drum and pretend he was a conductor, using drum sticks to lead his imaginary orchestra.

Eventually, Vargas knew he wanted to make music, a decision that led to his friendship with his piano teacher and mentor, Greg Fisher.

When Vargas, 15, was diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder called Wegener’s granulomatosis, Fisher shared spiritual messages that encouraged his young student — messages that gave the teen something beyond lessons on notes and keys.

Vargas said Fisher gave him hope.

The young pianist wanted to give back to his teacher in a big way — and he did.

Through Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, Vargas recently presented Fisher with a new Steinway grand piano valued at more than $70,000.

The surprise presentation was made at the Edmond Music store where both Vargas and Fisher are well known.

The music instructor had been working with Vargas on a lesson when a large group of Make-A-Wish staff members and Vargas’ family and friends gathered around the pair, holding balloons, tooting horns and ringing bells.