By Lisa Parent

Medicine Hat child granted dream trip to Disney and Universal

Oct 24, 2023 | 3:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A Medicine Hat boy is preparing to head to Disney World, Legoland and Universal Studios with his family, courtesy of the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Medicine Hat.

“(I’m) pretty excited, because we’re going to Harry Potter Land to get a wand, and we can go to Legoland,” says seven year old Everett Lonson.

This trip comes after Everett spent years battling Leukemia, a blood cancer he was diagnosed with at just three years old.

“It’s something that every parent doesn’t expect to have happen,” says Trina, Everett’s mother. “It’s hard to hear and back then we didn’t know much about leukemia, so going through it is a very long journey.”

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In his room, Everett has a frame that holds his “beads of courage.” Each bead represents a time Everett had a medical treatment and showed bravery.

Everett Lonson’s “Beads of Courage”

He also has stuffed animals from every hospital trip.

Everett’s stuffed animal collection

Everett’s sisters Addison and Vanessa Lonson say their brother remained kind and outgoing through treatment.

“He was very brave when it happened,” says Vanessa.

Older sister Addison adds, “I wasn’t expecting him to handle it so well. He took it so well. I know if I were in his shoes, I hate to say it, but I would not be that brave.

Jeremy, Everett’s father, notes the community’s support during their frequent trips to the Calgary Children’s Hospital.

“We had to divide and conquer and we had family to come in and help us out,” explains Jeremy. “You definitely count on family a lot in those moments.”

Donna Serr is the coordinator for the Make a Wish Foundation in Medicine Hat and she helped bring Everett’s wish to life.

“It’s a real blessing to be able to bring some families some happiness during a difficult time,” says Serr. “We were a Wish family, many years ago my daughter was granted a wish, so I know what it’s like, I know the joy and happiness it can bring during a difficult time.”

Everett’s sister Addison says, “just having this whole wrap up thing, it’s almost like a ‘you did so good’ present for Everett. Just seeing how he gets that closure too, after this long time.”

For now, the Lonson family will continue planning their trip and ride itinerary. However, Legoland will be the highlight of the trip for Everett.

“I’m going to build Lego, I’m gonna build my own robot out of Lego,” says Everett.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation is always accepting donations, to help more children’s wishes come true.

Those interested in supporting the foundation can email Donna Serr at dserr@shaw.ca.