I wish to go camping and ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad
Tommy
9
brain tumor
Tommy Rides The Georgetown Loop Railroad
As a Cub Scout, Thomas, or Tommy as his loved ones call him, had a wish for an outdoor adventure, under the stars of big sky country out west. This past summer, Tommy’s wish came true when he and his family arrived at the Tiger Run Resort in Breckenridge, CO for a five-day long RV experience, thanks to the newly formed national partnership with Winnebago Industries.
A week into the COVID-19 pandemic, Tommy was diagnosed with a ganglioglioma tumor in his brain stem that was not operable.
To say it was a challenging time would be an understatement.
Monica
Tommy's mom
Before his tumor was discovered, Tommy was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age three. Tommy had finally settled into a good school routine just in time for the global pandemic, and his brain tumor diagnosis, to rip it away from him.
Throughout the course of Tommy’s treatments, his family would face remarkable challenges, while trying to establish a sense of normalcy for their children. Tommy’s younger brother Brendan would have to stay at home with his aunt and uncle or grandparents so his parents could stay with Tommy in the hospital, under strict visitor policies. He simply was not allowed to see his older brother – a concept Brendan just could not understand.
During his medical treatments, Tommy and his family were introduced to Make-A-Wish. When Tommy was asked that magical question that brings the Make-A-Wish mission to life, “if you could have one wish, what would it be?”, Tommy proudly stated that he wanted to go camping in the great outdoors, and ride trains - a unique wish to be sure. Tommy’s wish would ultimately come to fruition as an outdoor RV adventure in Colorado, right next door to the beloved trains he wished to ride.
Tommy and his family were able to spend the week in a 2022 Grand Design Imagine RV, made possible through Make-A-Wish partners Winnebago Industries, and Cousins RV, an RV Retailer dealership. Tommy was excited to explore the outdoors during his wish and spent five days exploring nature and taking in the beautiful Colorado scenery while visiting several local parks with his parents and brother. They traveled up Breckenridge Mountain via gondola one day, enjoyed a ride on a mountain coaster, played Jenga and swam in the indoor pool, and even made s’mores every night back at camp.
As one of many highlights, Tommy, a train enthusiast, was also able fulfill the rest of his wish and ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad nearby.
“We had an amazing time,” Monica said. “The boys loved the RV and all the activities. We are humbled by the amazing opportunity gifted to Tommy. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would pick this.”
Cousins RV, an RV Retailer dealership, and Winnebago Industries teams were excited to work together while outfitting Tommy’s RV with personal touches, including his favorite games and additional treats and camping supplies, while also ensuring the trailer had all necessary elements to meet the parameters of the family’s needs for a safe and memorable trip.
“We are thrilled to be a partner for this wonderful opportunity to support Thomas and his family,” said Stacy Bogart, Winnebago Industries Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility. “Helping families enjoy outdoor exploration is a meaningful goal of ours as an outdoor lifestyle company. Partnering with Make-A-Wish and exceptional dealer partners, such as RV Retailer, allows for more families across the country to have their camping wishes come true.”
“We are so humbled by their kindness and generosity,” Monica said. “We often say Tommy is the luckiest of the unlucky, he went through the unimaginable in such a scary and isolating time but two years later he is thriving and was provided this amazing opportunity, thanks to Make a Wish and Winnebago.”
