Electron Boy Saves the Day

My brother emailed me this news story from The Seattle Times about a young boy named Erik Martin who is living with cancer and was recently granted his wish by the Make A Wish Foundation. I am a paediatric nurse and though I now work in a general medical ward, I spent a while in paediatric oncology (cancer) and looked after several children in the same state as young Erik.

Erik has always wanted to be a superhero and this wish was finally granted by the Make A Wish Foundation in Seattle. He started the morning with a phone call from Spider Man who desperately needed the assistance of Electron Boy, Erik's alter ego. Electron Boy rushed to save the Seattle Sounders who had been locked in a locker room at Qwest Field. He travelled in a superhero car along a closed down highway with police escort. The team were ever so grateful for his help, but the day wasn't over for Erik. The evil Dr Dark and Blackout Boy were threatening to plunge the city of Seattle into darkness! But Erik saved the day again.

This is one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. To see a whole city making such an extreme effort to bring the dream of a very unwell boy to life is so wonderful, life-affirming and joyous. This is a day that Erik will treasure forever, and the difference it would have made on his health is immense. Make A Wish is such a wonderful organisation and I have seen some very happy faces and happy families as a result of them.

And Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there!! Hope you were spoilt rotten by your children!!