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It's been a tough year for Josh Easton and his family of Kincardine.

The 16-year-old son of Nancy and Jamie Easton, underwent surgery last spring to remove a cancerous brain tumour, and then began chemotherapy treatment.

However, the tumour began growing rapidly, so Josh underwent two 10-hour surgeries in September of last year, which resulted in catastrophic brain swelling. He was in the critical care wing in London for two months, finally returning home on Nov. 23, 2009.

At that point he spent most of his time in a hospital bed on the ground floor of his parents' home, said his mother, Nancy. He couldn't speak, he was being fed by a g-tube, he couldn't sit or walk, all he could do was nod and shake his head and give hand squeezes.

"Today, one long, determined year later, he is back in school for a half-day, taking a business course and receiving physiotherapy, with the help of an Educational Assistant," said Nancy. "He is speaking, the g-tube is gone and he is able to walk with the help of two quad canes."

Tuesday was the anniversary of Josh's return home from the hospital so it was the perfect time for him to receive an early Christmas present.

Carissa and Dave Desjardine of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario, arrived that afternoon and hooked up a Home Theatre for Josh, complete with a new Sony 46-inch, flat-screen television, surround-sound system, PlayStation 3 and a selection of games, movies, music and other accessories.

The foundation grants wishes for young people with life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

"Josh's wish was a Home Theatre," said Carissa. "We hope he enjoys it."

"This is awesome," said Josh as he walked in after school to find the system already installed. "The TV is fantastic. I usually hang out in this room. I'm a chair potato."

Carissa also presented Josh with a signed jersey from the Detroit Pistons basketball team, some fancy balloons and a "Happy Wish Day" cake which he and his family would enjoy later. He has a brother, Joel, 15, and sister, Jenna, 12.

Founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was established in Southwestern Ontario in 1986.

Community-based volunteers ensure wishes are granted responsibly and to the highest ethical standards. Since its beginnings, the foundation has granted 855 wishes. The Southwestern Ontario branch has granted 66 wishes this year.

The most requested wish is for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Other popular wishes include computers, celebrity meetings, and trips to international locations. The entire family is included in the wish experience.

The average cost of a wish is between $7,000 and $8,000. The foundation is grateful for the generosity of individuals and corporations who assist with the products and services needed for the wishes.

The new Kids For Wish Kids is a program that takes the concept of wish-granting into elementary and secondary schools. By creating their own fund-raising initiatives, students can learn about, and become motivated by, the opportunity to help support a child with a life-threatening illness.

Besides the new television, Josh Easton received a PlayStation 3, a surround-sound system, and accessories
 

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010