Thanks to a small coterie of folks with their hearts in the right place, a little Akron boy battling cancer had his wish granted to visit Disney World.
The national charity Kids Wish Network with local sponsors — Akron Firefighters Local 330, VFW Post 9904, Ron Marhofer Auto Family, Rubber City Harley-Davidson, American Legion Post 449, VFW Clarence Mains Post 1070 & Ladies Auxiliary, Catavolos Funeral Home/Rose Hill Burial Park, Compassion Partners, Tuscana Resort, Dollar Thrifty, California Pizza Kitchen, Wonderworks and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure — made the trip possible for 5-year-old Jonathan Watson and his family.
“When he was only 4 years old, Jonathan’s doctors discovered that he suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” Kids Wish Network spokeswoman Alicia True wrote. “This condition can be fatal if not discovered immediately, and Jonathan was immediately started on a three-year round of chemotherapy treatments.
“Although Jonathan’s body responded well to the treatments, the chemotherapy really began taking its toll on him, both mentally and physically. With the stress of the treatments, it soon became obvious that little Jonathan really needed something to lift his spirits; this came in the form of a wish … It wasn’t long before Jonathan let everyone know that he wanted to meet Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear and Woody at their Florida home in Walt Disney World.”
Jonathan is the son of Christina and Keith Watson. “The wish included accommodation, dinners every evening and, of course, tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort,” True continued.
“Jonathan proved quite the daredevil, riding every ride he was able. Three of his favorite rides were the Toy Story Midway Mania ride, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
“Of course, Jonathan’s favorite experiences were meeting his Toy Story heroes Buzz Lightyear and Woody the cowboy and posing for pictures with them.”
Volunteers luncheon
“The Greatest Volunteers on Earth” — specifically those living and giving locally — will be feted at 11:30 a.m. April 18 by Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Summit & Medina counties at its 40th annual volunteer recognition luncheon at Guy’s Party Center, 500 E. Waterloo Road, Akron.
RSVP, an arm of Mature Services Inc., was launched in 1971 and senior citizens of all stripes have been fanning out into the community doing all manner of good works. Hats off to every one of them being honored at this monumental birthday party.
For more information, please call 330-253-4597, ext. 169 or 166.
Singing for camp
A Chorus for a Cause will present a “Life Lines” concert at 7:30 p.m. April 21, to benefit the good works of Camp Quality Ohio, at Westbrook Park United Methodist Church, 2521 12th St. NW, Canton.
Camp Quality sets up a free weeklong summer camp experience for children battling cancer and their siblings. Medical staff is on the grounds at all times and each camper has his or her own companion for support and encouragement. A plethora of activities is always on the menu.
The concert, accompanied by Mark Thewes on organ and piano, includes Guide My Feet, Chocolate, Crawdad Song and more inspirational and fun songs.
Tickets are $10, available from chorus members in advance. Please call Susie at 330-453-3460.
A Chorus for a Cause — a nonprofit community chorus open to all singers which raises funds for charitable causes — was founded in 2009 by Christine Allison. Recent performances have designated funds to the Stark County Special Olympic Groups, Stark County Domestic Violence and Juvenile Diabetes.
A Mile in Her Shoes
Circle April 27 on your calendar for Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties’ seventh annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Akron” event at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron.
Men are challenged to walk in heels, the higher the better, to help raise awareness of sexual assault and violence against women. Walkers of all ages, even entire families are encouraged to participate.
A pre-walk rally is planned at 5 p.m. with music by DJ Kenny Kidd, a free photo booth, pizza by Leonardo’s, games and contests with prizes. An after-party will follow at ZAR Nightclub and Martini Bar, event sponsor.
Interested in creating a walk team? Please email Getta Cornici at GettaC@scmcbws.org.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.
