Thanks to Lorraine O’Quinn of Royal Lepage ProAlliance Realty, Trenton and her colleague, Andrea Davies, Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario was able to bring strength, hope and joy to nine year old Philip.  Lorraine and her colleagues organized the Trenton edition of the St-Valentine’s Day Hair Massacre, and part of the proceeds went towards Philip’s wish.   

The boy’s terminal condition includes lungs weakened by several battles with pneumonia and numerous congenital heart problems.

To brighten his spirits, Lorraine and Andres, with the help of Make-A-Wish organized a day packed with fun. It began at CFB Trenton’s Bakers Island, where Philip and his family arrived and were greeted by Spider-Man, Philip’s favourite superhero.  Lt.-Col. Chuck Collings, commander of the base’s 424 “Tiger” Transport and Rescue Squadron, placed a squadron hat on Philip’s head just before a yellow CH-146 Griffon rescue helicopter flew a low overhead pass.  

Collings gave Philip a handheld radio, coaching him on what to say next.  “Tiger 493, this is Tiger 1,” said Philip. “You are cleared for hoist descent.” With that, Sgt. Darryl Cattell, a search and rescue technician, was lowered from the Griffon’s side door to the ground as he held a bright orange bag.

Together Cattell and Spider-Man began pulling gifts from the bag and handing them to Philip, who quietly accepted. From the island the group traveled to Philip’s school, where classmates wished him well before he went off on a shopping spree at Belleville’s Sony store. For the afternoon, the family stopped at the Empire Theatre for a private screening, and throughout the day, they traveled in a white stretch limousine. 

More Adventure Wishes

1. Trish Reid:

Very well done, you should be proud of your contributions.