‘Feels nice to give back’: Nebraska girl creates special ice cream for Make-A-Wish fundraiser

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Lancaster County girl is using her sweet tooth to get creative and help other kids who are struggling.

Jessie Roush is a 12-year-old from Martell. In 2024, she found out she had a rare condition where her body attacks her liver.

She waited for a life-saving liver transplant for months.

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But one of the bright spots during that tough time was her trip to Disney World and Universal. And that was possible because of Make-A-Wish Nebraska.

“It was one of the most magical days of my life, and I want other kids to experience that, too,” Jessie said.

She got a new liver, but she’s still going through a lot with her health. And Jessie knows how much it can mean to have a happy experience for kids who are in the same shoes as them.

So she didn’t hesitate when Make-A-Wish asked if she wanted to lend a helping hand.

“They took us to 402 Creamery, and we talked about ideas and got the ice cream going,” Jessie said.

Every year, Make-A-Wish Nebraska partners with 402 Creamery to create a special flavor as a fundraiser.

Jessie settled on a K-pop Demon Hunters theme, which is one of her favorite movies. Her flavor is called “Chocolate Takedown.”

“It’s dyed purple for Huntrix, and it’s vanilla ice cream with blue sprinkles for the Derpy Tiger,” she said. “And there’s chocolate fudge bits, and there’s chocolate swirls.”

402 Creamery will give part of the proceeds from its ice cream flavor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Jessie loves her creation, but the meaning behind it makes it taste even sweeter.

“Feels nice to give back to everyone when you’ve had so much given to you,” she said.

The specialty flavor will be available starting Wednesday at all of the 402 Creamery locations in Lincoln.