Sometimes a story comes along that just tugs at the heart-strings and plays on the emotions. Such a story is the incredible tale of four-year-old Tyson Lachapelle, who lives with his Mom and Dad and four siblings, just fifteen minutes away from Carlyle.
Tyson is a typical four-year-old in many ways. He's initially a wee bit shy, but once his trust has been earned, he's ready to play and joke and laugh. He loves watching "Arthur" and other great programs on TV, and of course he is all boy and keeps everyone busy. But he's also anything but the typical four-year-old, because he recently received a gift from the Children's Wish Foundation.
It all started when his younger brother was born a little over two years ago. The new baby was significantly-premature and had to be kept in hospital for three months. During that period the family would visit the baby regularly, and Tyson went once to see his baby brother. Everything was fine until five days after that hospital visit, when Tyson suddenly seemed very lethargic and had zero energy.
For a while the family took Tyson to see doctors, and they got a variety of different answers and opinions from different professionals. Some considered it was just fatigue; others said it might be a reaction of jealousy to the new baby. These answers did not sit well with his mother, so they kept on seeking the truth. The fifth doctor they saw did some tests and immediately ordered an ambulance to rush Tyson to hospital in Regina. At the age of two, Tyson was suffering from a failing heart.
Tests in hospital revealed that Tyson's heart was operating at about a quarter of the strength of a healthy heart. His parents were told to prepare themselves for either the possibility that they would lose him, or that Tyson would need a heart transplant. At the very least, he was put on medication and kept under close observation.
Towards the end of 2010, a nurse, knowing of Tyson's situation, suggested that his name be put forward to Children's Wish Foundation. It's one of those organizations that discovers the biggest wish of a terminally-ill child, and then does everything they can to grant it. At first, Tyson's Mom and Dad were a little uncomfortable about it, but then agreed, and details were sent to the organization.
When Tyson's case was accepted, he was asked what his biggest wish would be. It was a unique one. He did not want to go to Disneyland - one of the most common wishes - instead, he wanted a camper, just like his grandpa. And so, the process of granting Tyson's wish was begun.
Then, in December 2010, the situation changed, and it did so in a most unexpected manner. Very often, in cases of potentially terminal illness, the story does not have a happy ending. In this case it is not only happy, it is also miraculous. As observations continued, new tests in December 2010 revealed that Tyson's heart had recovered. His heart strength had returned to approximately 70%, and even up to 75%, a figure that placed him back into the "normal" category. It was simply astounding news, news that could not be explained. His Mom and Dad were overjoyed, and the doctors decided to take Tyson off all medication.
Even today, Tyson's Mom cannot share the story without the intense emotion breaking to the surface, and it affects the listener in the same way. Tyson's parents contacted the Children's Wish Foundation and explained what had happened. They greatly appreciated Tyson's name being put forward in the first place, but didn't think Tyson would still meet the conditions for getting a wish.
And that was when the family was amazed for the second time. The Children's Wish Foundation understood fully, but said that Tyson had been through so much in his young life, that they were going to grant his wish anyway. They agreed to issue funding, up to an allowed limit, to put towards the family locating and purchasing a camper of their choice.
In the early part of this year, the family started shopping for their camper, and they found just what they were looking for, not a new one, but certainly new to them and perfectly suited to their needs. Then, just as funds were being released, the mail strike hit. His Mom recalls that Tyson thought his camper was sitting at a post office somewhere!
Now, fast-forward to today. Outside their farmhouse sits a rather large and impressive "Cougar" camper, attached to their truck. The family can still hardly believe it, but Tyson considers it his, and he's anxious to show it off to anyone who'll take a look.
Inside, Tyson demonstrates the bathroom, opens the fridge, and for a lift so he can open the freezer door that's out of his reach. Meanwhile Mom just beams in proud happiness and the younger brother chases a fly with a swatter.
"Can you imagine that Tyson wished for this?" his Mom asks. And it is truly amazing on so many levels. After all, how many kids at three-years-old would wish for a camper? Even more amazing, how many kids in Tyson's situation recover miraculously to where doctors say they probably won't have to see them again for a couple of years? The outcome is a double bonus, the family can enjoy not just Tyson, but the camper he wished for, and we certainly hope and pray this situation continues for a lifetime.
But that is still not the end of the story. The Children's Wish Foundation also has a walk that takes place in various communities each year. This is called "The wish-maker's walk" and typically the children in an area come together to celebrate their wishes and raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. In October there's a walk in Estevan, and Tyson wants to be part of it. In fact, this active little boy is already getting out there and asking friends and family to make a donation to the walk. Even at his tender young age, he wants to give back; experience has already made him that aware, that deeply-attuned to the needs of others.
"Tyson says he wants to be a doctor," his Mom says. Who knows, with a unique soul like Tyson, anything is possible.
Not only has Tyson shown what love can do, the Children's Wish Foundation has too. They could easily have rejoiced with the family at Tyson's recovery and left it at that, but they went the extra mile and granted the wish anyway. And that makes this story truly amazing in every way, heart-warming and hope-filled and inspiring.
People wishing to donate to Tyson's wish-maker's walk may contact Tyson's Mom, Jennet, at 453-6283.
