Make-A-Wish Takes Medford Boy Battling Cancer On 'Virtual Wish Tour'
BOSTON (CBS) - Making a wish come true, virtually. That's what's happening for a very sick little boy from Medford this week. And he doesn't have to leave his hospital bed to do it.
Before Elias Yang's cancer came back he was hoping for a Make-A-Wish trip. But when Elias wasn't able to travel because of his health and the coronavirus, the Make-A-Wish Foundation figured out another way.
Elias is a big animal lover. So, to grant the critically ill child a wish, the good folks at Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island set up a six day virtual tour of Elias's favorite animals with the help of some big time institutions like the New England Aquarium, the Franklin Park Zoo and here at the Museum of Science.
"It was amazing to me how fast they were able to get it going, too. Like one week," his mother Valerie Root said.
Elias can enjoy the tour from his room at Boston's Children's Hospital where he's being treated for a rare form of liver cancer. Through a video/audio hook up, staff at the Science Museum introduced the little boy to animals there like an alligator, owls and even a skunk.
"I've noticed what a change it makes in his day and the next day, too. It gives him more strength and happiness," his mother says.
This is the first time Make-A-Wish has done anything like this. "We want to be as creative as possible right now with ways to continue with our mission, to be able to grant as many wishes as we can during this difficult time," said Lauren Cotter of Make-A-Wish.
"People can really come together and support one another, and that's a really beautiful thing to hold onto," said Valerie.
The "wish" tour continues through Sunday.
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Charlotte Beattie thanked the local institutions who helped make the wish come true.
"Now more than ever, it's important to inspire and excite our wish children, and bring them the hope, strength and joy they need to battle a critical illness," Beattie said.
To wish Elias well you can go to the Make A Wish facebook page</a.
