Ethan Dean is a 6-year-old boy who has cystic fibrosis. Because of this, his typical day isn’t like that of many other children his age. An ordinary day for him usually revolves around his daily treatments in the mornings and evenings. Like many kids in Ethan’s position with a progressive disease, he made a wish at the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Luckily, his dream recently came true.
So, what was it? Ethan has always wanted to be a garbage man. Recently, a garbage truck with his name on it came to surprise him at his elementary school. He quickly changed into a uniform and go to work in downtown Sacramento, CA. His mom, Erin Dean, told TODAY just how excited he was:
“His face just lit up when he saw the garbage truck. He couldn’t believe it.
It meant that he could do something he loves to do but also forget, for a day, about all the things he has to do on daily basis to keep him healthy. It gave him a little more fight in him to just try to get through all the treatments and things he has to do.”
This small act of kindness made a huge difference for Ethan, and brought a smile to his face. It was a happy distraction for the 6-year-old–which is his mom is forever grateful for:
“When he’s been asking questions, you can see a sadness in him. He knows he can’t change it. It was a good time for him to feel special and not to feel different from other people. . . . The support made him feel like he was on top of the world and he could conquer whatever was put in his path.”
Nothing is sweeter than that.
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