Crayola gives one little girl the surprise of a lifetime

The Crayola company is best known for making crayons but is now on a nationwide tour surprising young kids who have disabilities.

Today, the company made a stop in Duluth to surprise a 5-year-old girl named Mattea. 

Mattea was born with a bone deformity called Ulnar Dysplasia and she has turned her disability into creative fire. At a young age, she already has more confidence and creativity than most people have in an entire lifetime.

Mattea thought it was just another day at school today but she was soon surprised by the entire Crayola team.

Brandi Grandaw, the mother of Mattea, said “She is an inspiration to everyone she comes across. She doesn’t let her disease stop her from anything. She has beautiful handwriting, she’s the best artist, she cooks and paints her nails. She doesn’t let anything stop her.”

Mattea’s father is currently serving overseas in the Air Force but he sent a video for Mattea and her classmates to enjoy. She is counting down the days until her hero comes home. The last time she checked there were 110 more days.

Crayola surprised her and her family with a trip to Crayola the Experience at the Mall of America.

Crayola does this for kids across the country but all of the emplyees agree that today was truly special.

Kelly-Anne Suarez, the Spokeswoman for Crayola Experience, said “The opportunity to visit a girl who is so artistically alive like Mattea and to spark that fire is the best thing that we could ever wish to do.”

The Crayola tour will continue on to Milwaukee, but Mattea’s experience today will last a lifetime.