SEYMOUR, Tenn. (WATE) — A 10-year-old in Seymour’s dream has come true after the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish for a parrot.
Henry suffers from neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten’s disease), a rare nervous system disorder. He has long dreamed of owning an African Grey with his parents telling 6 News that it was the first thing out of his mouth when Make-A-Wish asked him what he wanted. On Friday, Make-A-Wish East Tennessee volunteers and PetSmart teamed up to surprise Henry with the news.
Knoxville teen surprised with trip to Disney World, Universal Studios
“When we got him in here, he thought we were just going to pick up some worms for the bearded dragon and some dog food. And then, you know, we get whisked away and they got an ice cream cake for him and all the toys. He was told he was going to get his bird from Make-A-Wish. And I think he was more stunned than anything. It just meant a lot to us to be able to see it in his in face and just bring him some joy,” said Dan Max, Henry’s father.
“You don’t realize how much just seeing your kids happy means to you until something devastating happens and it forces you to kind of look at your position and just thank God for every day that you have.”
In addition to the bird, Henry also got supplies and food to help take care of his new feathered companion. This wish comes as Henry and his brother, who suffers from the same medical condition, will soon travel to Rush University Medical Center for treatment…