Two days after Christmas in 2006, life changed dramatically for the Sheehan family.
Then 2-year-old Aiden started running a fever, and couldn’t walk. His parents, Daniel and Tiffany Sheehan, took him to doctor after doctor, before finding one they felt was really concerned about his condition, and sent them directly to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.
His diagnosis was ALL — acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells. What followed was nine months of chemotherapy every week, over five hospitalizations, and older brother Garren having to stay with friends and family members while the Sheehans were with Aiden.
Now in remission, Aiden loves the show “Playhouse Disney,” and adores Mickey Mouse. The Make-a-Wish Foundation of North Texas, which grants wishes to children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, is sending Aiden, Garren, Daniel and Tiffany to Florida for a week, where Aiden will turn 4 on April 26.
Navarro County “wish granter” Heba Shafik said the family will go to Walt Disney World, and visit Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Give Kids the World Village, which is a 70-acre resort in Central Florida designed just for ill children and their families.
“While they are at Give Kids the World Village, Thursday will be Christmas in the village,” Shafik said. “And the mayor of the village, Mayor Clayton, is a rabbit. From what I hear from other ‘wish gifters,’ they will come back with a suitcase full of gifts from Give Kids the World.”
Aiden’s family and friends celebrated the trip with a dinner at Cici’s Pizza in Corsicana April 18, which Cici’s donated. Aiden also received a gift basket from the Make-A-Wish Foundation which included T-shirts, toys, cameras to use on their trip, and other goodies.
“The boys are both pretty excited just about being here at Cici’s,” said Tiffany Sheehan. “They have no idea what’s in store for them next week. Once I get the packing done, I’ll be real excited!”
The family was relieved and very grateful to all make it to the “bon voyage party,” in light of the events earlier in the week.
“We were in the emergency room three days last week,” Tiffany said. “Aiden had a very bad virus, and he has a weakened immune system, even though he is in remission.
“We’re pretty excited about the trip. We don’t have to worry about things for a while.”
While in Florida, Aiden and Garren will get to visit theme parks, enjoy rides, and meet Mickey Mouse. The Sheehan parents will get to relax and have fun for a week, and enjoy the delight of their children.
“We’ve never been to Disney World,” said Daniel Sheehan. “We’re grateful for a chance to go and have fun.”
The goal of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to enhance the human experience with hope, strength and joy. To find out how you can help make wishes come true, call (903) 597-9474, or visit the Web site at www.northtexaswish.org.
“We appreciate this,” said “PawPaw” Troy Foreman. “It’s a very nice thing to do for the kids. It’s nice they can do something special, because it’s been a long past year.”
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Deanna Brown may be contacted via e-mail at deanna@corsicanadailysun.com
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