Lakeshore boy granted Make-A-Wish trip of a lifetime to Disney

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a young boys desire to visit Disney World has been granted.

Recently, Dekson Thibert, a Grade 3 student at St. William Catholic Elementary School was picked up at the school at by members of the OPP and the Lakeshore Fire Department and driven to his home in Belle River, where his parents and representatives of the Make a Wish Foundation explained to him how his wishes are being fulfilled.

Dekson, 8, was diagnosed with West Syndrome, a seizure disorder and form of Epilepsy when he was one and a half years of age.

“Dekson was diagnosed with West Syndrome, a catastrophic form of childhood Epilepsy, and because of the nature of the diagnosis, it is considered a critical illness, so that qualifies him for Make-A-Wish. We applied through his medical team…they submitted the paperwork and it was granted,” said Katelyn Thibert, Dekson’s mother.

Arriving with full lights and sirens, Dekson was greeted by a host of first responders and Disney characters, that included Minnie and Mickey Mouse, who came together to make the event extra special.

“Dekson’s always wanted to be a firefighter, and so our friends with Lakeshore Fire, and then my co-workers with the OPP came together. I just asked for them to be at the bus stop for Dekson when he got off to give him the surprise box and they really took it upon themselves to make it bigger than that and bring all the team out to be able to help Dekson be informed of the Wish,” she explained.

Fear and uncertainty have been a way of life for the family added Thibert. She is confident that this is a turning point for the family.

“I think for Dekson, hopefully this is the end of the book instead of the end of the chapter,” she continued. “He’s gone through a lot most of his life. This is just an opportunity to have something good come out of this.”

The family, which includes younger brother Duke and father Jeff will be visiting Disney World in February.