On Feb. 5, 11-year-old Braidon Singleton and his family, which lives at Mile 108, flew to Walt Disney World in Florida, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC & Yukon.
Braidon was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007 when strange red lesions started appearing on his body.
"I knew something was wrong," says mother Jennifer Singleton.
"I couldn't get a blood test done at first. The doctors didn't think it was anything serious."
Jennifer adds she finally told them she wanted an appointment for Braidon at BC Children's Hospital.
He went through his treatments, some very painful, but would be hard at play as soon as he could, his mom says. Braidon played on the swings just after spinal taps, she explains, and played hockey in 100 Mile House during his treatments.
"As an outsider, you think you know what the children go through, but until you actually see their experience, it's hard to explain."
Children seem to be so adaptable to life, Jennifer says, adding Braidon knew what to expect, sometimes telling her she was squeezing his hand so tightly it hurt worse than the needles.
Jennifer is unsure how Braidon's name got on the list of the Make A Wish Foundation (MAWF), and thinks it may have received a referral from the hospital. The family received a call from the foundation and Braidon was given an idea of what the other children have done.
"We got one call in September when Kim [Heron, MAWF communications director] called in December and told us that Braidon got his wish."
He chose Disney World in Florida because of the Give Kids the World Village in Florida, Jennifer says, adding it's on 70 acres and has 140 villa accommodations with activities specifically designed for children with special needs.
"We are so excited; from the pictures I've seen, it’s just an awesome place, with restaurants, a pool, and so many activities."
She adds the ceilings in the rooms have golden stars for all the sick children that have been there.
The past 3.5 years have been tough on the family, but they continued to do "family" activities, such as camping and boating. Their older son, Tyson, handled it very well, Jennifer says, although at first being the older brother, it was hard on him but he put on a brave face.
"All during the treatments, the support we received was fantastic, from family and friends, to all the nurses at the local hospital, the staff at Mile 108 Elementary and home school support and my bosses at Tim Hortons.
"When we get back, I want to start some fundraising for the MAWF. There are some very cool and fun projects to do, and I want to do my part and bring awareness to the foundation."
Braidon is back to normal in complete remission, she says, adding now his chances for cancer are as if he never had it in the first place.
For more information on the MAWF, visit www.makeawishbc.ca.