I Wish to Be...Curtis' Story
"I Wish to Be a Police Officer"
Wish parents Roger and Tammy of Cadillac have three special children who all battle the same life-threatening medical condition, tuberous sclerosis. Last year this family was ecstatic when they learned that each of their special children would receive a wish come true thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. At the 2008 Bring Joy, One Penny at a Time Gala, Roger and Tammy’s eldest son, 14-year-old Curtis, had his special dream come true when he was sworn in as the first honorary police cadet in the state of Michigan during an emotional ceremony. Tammy says, “Curtis still wears his police uniform every single weekend – the entire uniform complete with the belt and hat. He walks up and down our street and to his grandmother’s house patrolling the neighborhood. It’s a sight to see.” Tammy continues, “Last year at the Gala I had never seen Curtis smile so big. He just loved every minute of his wish. It was really a dream come true.” This past August, Curtis’ 9-year-old brother Brandon’s wish came true when he received a fenced-in play area with a wooden swing set, a slide, a clubhouse, a colorful canopy and the final item on his wish-list…a sandbox! Tammy said, “After Brandon’s surgery he was more aware of his surroundings and became afraid of heights. So, we were a bit concerned if he would be comfortable going up and down the ladder of the slide. Well, he was a bit scared the first time up but now he loves all the climbing! As parents that is so special to see. He also loves his sandbox and likes the feeling of sand running through his fingers. I have a feeling this will be a long winter without playing on the swing set!” Finally, Curtis and Brandon’s 13-year-old sister Jessica is so excited about her March trip to Orlando that mom and dad have already started the official count-down calendar. “Everyday she’ll ask when are we leaving…how much longer until we go,” says Tammy. Jessica is most looking forward to a day at Sea World where she will see dolphins and whales first hand. “This past year has been filled with so much good. Our kids have doctor appointments, tests, shots and the list goes on and on. Their day to day lives are filled with so much bad and Make-A-Wish has brought in the good,” says Tammy. “These experiences and wishes have given our children something positive and happy to remember and we are so grateful.”
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Curtis in full uniform at the Kent County jail.
Curtis receiving his "cover."
Jessica looking on as Curtis becomes a police officer!
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