I wish to be a police officer
Landen
8
cancer
Landen Goes on Patrol
Celebrating our 20,000th Wish
Every night, for as long as she can remember, Brittany creeps quietly into her son’s room to check on him. Diagnosed last year with a form of kidney cancer, it required chemotherapy so aggressive that it left him in terrible physical pain most days. But on this night, she couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight awaiting her. There was Landen, fast asleep – his new police hat askew on his head. In his hand, a tightly clutched police badge – badge number 100 – and in his pocket, fingerprint evidence: all cherished mementos from the momentous day before.
Landen has always been fascinated with the police and first responders because “they help people and arrest the bad guys.” When his Make-A-Wish volunteers met with him to ask him what he would like to wish for, he quickly wished to be a police officer.
Landen loves helping others, going the extra mile to make someone else happy, and his mom was thrilled to see the roles reversed for his wish day because, ever since his cancer diagnosis, it hasn’t been so easy for Landen – and his family – to be carefree and have fun.
“It was devastating when we learned Landen had cancer,” said Brittany. “I got the phone call and fell on the ground because it was just heartbreaking.”
From the initial diagnosis to the biopsies and genetic testing that followed, Brittany became scared to answer the phone, afraid the next update would be another setback.
With the first few months of treatment behind him, Landen was sick all the time, and the side effects drained him with the immense pain he felt daily. That’s when Brittany started to go through the packet of resources from the hospital. Once she came across information about Make-A-Wish, she decided to refer him for a wish.
“As soon as we learned he would be granted a wish, it was a relief,” Brittany said. “He needed a break from the pain, and it gave him something to look forward to – which, as a mother, is all I could hope for.”
On his wish day, Landen was out of bed before his mom for the first time in months. It was as if all of his pain disappeared.
With the help of the York County Regional Police Department Northeast District and a local judge, Landen – dressed in his uniform – was sworn in as he repeated the words, “I, Landen, do solemnly swear…” After taking the oath and with his police badge secured, Landen said with certainty, “I’m a real cop.”
He spent the day on patrol, explored a state police helicopter and learned how to train a K9 officer. The best part? Landen captured a bad guy, and he was, officially, one of the good guys.
Landen’s wish experience continued into the next day when he was introduced to local firefighters and EMTs as the newest police officer of his hometown. After a tour of the fire house, Landen led a parade of first responders around town, complete with a wave from the Pennsylvania Governor as they drove by his house.
When his wish came to a close, Landen and his family went out to print photos, and they took turns covering their entire house with visual memories of the experience.
“I wanted him to be able to relive his wish on the days that he’s not feeling so great because as we get further out, the excitement may wear off, but the photos will bring him back to the best day of his life and help him fight,” Brittany said. “Because he’s fighting a war that I can’t even imagine.”
Although Landen’s pain has started to return, the memories of his wish day help him push forward.
“He got to be the Landen we know and love for a couple days, and to see that smile on his face again was amazing,” Brittany said. “He has been so happy about it even days and weeks later.”
Ever since his wish, Landen has made nonstop calls – in uniform – to everybody and anybody who will listen to him to let them know his new title, Officer Landen.
“When I think about my wish, I feel good,” Landen said nearly two weeks after his life-changing day.
Landen truly believes he’s a part of the squad, and his community knows he’s a true hero.
Paying homage to the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish® America – Chris Greicius’s wish to be a police officer in 1980 – Landen’s wish marks the 20,000th wish for Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It is thanks to our community of donors, volunteers, wish families and supporters that 20,000 wishes have been possible.
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Will you help us grant the next 20,000?