Five year old Riley Tenhoeve is one of only 200 people in the world to have Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a life-threatening genetic disorder with no known cure. Sadly, without a successful bone marrow transplant, kids often pass away before the age of 10.
Essentially, Riley has no immune system and no blood clotting ability. He is the only known case of the disease in Canada.
Although he’s due for his third bone marrow transplant in August, he’ll be off to Disney’s California Adventure before that to have his wish to be at the Cars Land opening on June 15, granted courtesy of Make-A-Wish BC.
Make-A-Wish grants the special wishes of kids aged 3-17 years old who have a life-threatening medical condition, in order to bring hope, strength and joy to kids and their family at a time when they need it most.
Riley’s appreciation of the Pixar movie Cars knows no bounds. From Cars toothpaste to hundreds of Cars related toys, socks, bedding, bike, clothing, books and even Cars-themed food, Riley has it all, making him the ideal candidate to be at the opening.
“He’s so Cars crazy now, I can’t even imagine what he’ll be like when we finally get there,” remarked his mother Selena.
The family is making bracelets for sale as a fundraising activity for the Chediak-Higashi Association. Bracelets are available at Shine Jewels in Fort Langley for $5 each.