Sick Boy Gets Wish for Family Gathering

Four-year-old Elijah Chacon had one wish this Christmas: He wanted to spend the holidays with his family.

The little boy, whose activities are restricted because he has childhood leukemia, could not travel to see his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents who live all over the country, from the East Coast to Hawaii.

So volunteers from the Make-a-Wish Foundation have brought them to him.

Ten family members arrived this week. And along with flights and accommodations, the organization arranged for a Christmas dinner for all 34 family members.

“He’s a very bright little boy, interested in a lot of things,” said Simi Valley resident June Lofton, who has been a volunteer wish-granter for almost a year.

American Airlines provided a $1,900 discount on the 10 airline tickets. Green Acres Market and Catering will provide dinner and dessert. And a clown named Rainbow, from Santa Barbara, will travel 175 miles round-trip with a bubble machine, balloons and music for Elijah.

Lofton said granting wishes helps “to make these children happy through these ordeals.”

The Make-a-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties fulfilled 52 wishes last year. All wishes were funded through community donations.

For additional information on making donations, call (888) 899-9474.