“A playground! I want to go to it! I want to go to it” is what Patton shouted when he saw a playground in his back yard.
Patton loves playing outside, especially riding his tractor and playing on the swings. Patton was sure to tell his
Make-A-Wish volunteers that he wanted a playground with a red curly slide. This is a very important wish to Patton since he is unable to use public swings because of his low immune system, which is a result of his leukemia treatment.
In February, Patton was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children. This is a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Even through all of his treatments, Patton’s mother said, “He still has his go-getter personality.”
Before Patton and his family had this new playground, they use to take car rides together as their family activity because his parents were able to make their car a safe environment for their children. Playing on Patton’s playground is an activity that is enjoyed be the whole family, especially Patton and his siblings.
When Patton plays on his red curly slide, it helps him get his exercise and regain some of his muscle tone he lost due to his leukemia treatments.
When Patton woke up the next morning after receiving his playground he said, “It’s still there!” It will stay there for Patton to play whenever he wants! Patton’s wish benefitted his entire family, according to his mom, “You didn’t just provide a playground; you helped to restore joy and uplift our children’s morale.”