Magic Moment of the Month - November 2006
Dalton’s Story
as told by his Mom
Dalton was a healthy 4-year-old boy, we thought. On December 19th, he had two teeth removed because they were thought to be abscessed. The swelling just kept getting worse even after antibiotics, so we took him back to the doctor the Friday before Christmas because we wanted him to be well for Christmas Day. When he woke up on Christmas morning, he did not even remember that it was Christmas Day and just asked to go back to bed. After he opened his presents, we checked his fever and it was over 101. We put him in the car and we were off to the ER. After many tests and scans, we were sent to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham where Dalton was diagnosed with Burkett’s Lymphoma and then began chemotherapy. Throughout the whole chemo process, Dalton had to go back to the hospital every time his counts dropped. He stayed so sick during that time, but we made the best of it and the good Lord got us through it all. Dalton was the biggest trooper with everything he went through; he was what kept us up and going each day.
Now, the chemo is over and we go once a month for check-ups. In April we were told about Magic Moments. One of the wish coordinators, Mrs. Emma Deerman, came to see us while Dalton was in the hospital. She told us all about Magic Moments and Dalton told her that he wished to go to Disney World. After we went through the application process, we got a call one day while we were in the elevator of the hospital telling us that Dalton’s WISH WAS GRANTED!! He was so excited and couldn't wait.
Dalton requested to fly to Disney World. So on September 24, 2006 we flew out of Panama City FL. to Orlando. It was the first time that any of us had flown before so we were a little nervous. From the time we left the airport the whole trip was AMAZING! We loved it all and it was so nice to see the big smiles on their faces. We stayed at Give Kids the World and went to 6 parks- we had a blast. It was great to see Dalton up playing and running around like crazy after he had been so sick for so long. During the day we would try and get him to take naps but he wouldn't have any part of that. He and I would go to the Ice Cream Parlor while Daddy and Carson (Dalton’s little brother) napped. Then it was back to the airport to return home and then back to reality! Dalton started Kindergarten this year and we can say the only days he has missed is for doctor appointments and 1 day out sick! We are so proud of our little Angel!
