Make-A-Wish to send eight-year-old Dekson Thibert to Disney World

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It was a frigid, snowy, sub-zero afternoon in Lakeshore, but with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, members of the OPP and Lakeshore fire department filling Jeff and Katelynn Thibert’s driveway to greet their son Dekson with the news he was heading to Disney World, there were plenty of warm feelings.

Eight-year-old Dekson Thibert and his family have lived with the fear of uncertainty for much of his life after he was diagnosed with West Syndrome, but this story will have a happy ending in the Magic Kingdom thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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“I think for Dekson, hopefully this is the end of the book instead of the end of the chapter,” Katelynn Thibert said.

“He’s gone through a lot most of his life. This is just an opportunity to have something good come out of this.”

The Thiberts, who also have a six-year-old son Duke, have much to celebrate after recent surgery has brought the Grade-3 student at St. William Elementary School some welcome relief.

“Dekson was diagnosed with West Syndrome when he was a year-and-a-half old, which is a catastrophic form of childhood epilepsy,” Katelynn Thibert said.

“As a result of that diagnosis, it’s considered a critical illness, which grants him the opportunity to have a Make-A-Wish granted to him.”

The family mulled over with Dekson what wish would most benefit him and settled on his love for Disney characters.

Thibert’s OPP workmates and friends in the Lakeshore fire department then took the extra step to turn Dekson’s moment of receiving a surprise gift box and confirmation of the Florida trip, into a special memory.

A fire engine picked up Dekson at school and several OPP SUVs and officers ensured the sirens and lights rivalled any Hollywood red carpet reception at his home.

“I was excited,” Dekson said. “Mickey is my favourite (Disney character).”

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Katelynn Thibert admitted the day also felt like a turning point for the family.

“Fear and uncertainty for sure,” said Thibert of Dekson’s medical journey.

“Just gratitude at this point that he was able to get to a point in his medical journey that we can start celebrating instead of wondering.”

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