BROWNSBURG — The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants one wish to a child with a life-threatening condition every 40 minutes nationwide.
And the possibilities are almost endless.
Many children choose trips to Disney World, meeting their favorite athlete, or the chance to become a police officer for a day.
But Brownsburg resident Dustin Warren wanted something different.
The 14-year-old was diagnosed with bone cancer last September and has since underwent 18 chemotherapy treatments—the latest of them on June 30.
When contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dustin—a self-described outdoorsman—wished for a pop-up camper for his family.
“I wanted a camper because it’s something you can keep,” he said. “With that, you can take a lot of trips instead of just one.”
Along with the camper, Dustin received three fishing poles, a tackle box, artificial baits, and several outdoor games.
Dustin’s mother, Charlotte Taylor, said the family has several Indiana destinations in mind, including Raccoon Lake, McCormick’s Creek, and Turkey Run State Park.
“At first, he was thinking about wishing for a trip to Hawaii,” Taylor said. “I was excited, thinking ‘mom’s going to Hawaii’, but I know he wanted something that would last longer, so he picked a camper. He loves it, he’s just a total outdoorsman.”
Dustin said when he’s not out riding his bike, he loves to fish. His biggest catch is a foot-long catfish, and he experiments with different kinds of bait such as worms, hot dogs, and Slim Jims.
The camper wish isn’t the only one Dustin has had granted.
Last week, the youngster and his family received the chance to get up close and personal with an Indianapolis Colts player.
As part of Gary Brackett’s Impact Foundation, Dustin traveled to Holiday World with the Colts linebacker where they rode a roller coaster and had lunch.
Dustin’s family also spent the night at a nearby hotel in West Baden Springs, Ind.
“They only picked a couple kids from Riley to go with Gary Brackett,” Taylor said. “I think they pick the older kids because they generally understand more about professional football players and who they are.”
Back at home, Dustin is enjoying his summer watching television, drawing “Simpsons” characters, and riding his bike. Because he was constantly in the hospital for treatments, the youngster missed his eighth grade year, but he said he is excited to enter the halls of Brownsburg High School this fall as a freshman.
kevin.leibrock@flyergroup.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
When contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 14-year-old Dustin Warren wanted something he could keep, so he chose a pop-up camper. Kevin Leibrock/Flyer photo
The great outdoors
Brownsburg boy receives unusual gift from Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Local News
-
-
Students say good-bye to PHS
PLAINFIELD — The Class of 2012 is the first to spend all four years at the new high school building in Plainfield.
-
Commencement held for BDU students
INDIANAPOLIS — Setting goals and making dreams come true was the theme for the Ben Davis University High School commencement held May 26.
-
SLIDESHOW: BDU commencement ceremony
The Ben Davis University High School graduation ceremony took place May 26.
-
CHS seniors graduate, show a little humor
CLAYTON — The graduating seniors at Cascade High School celebrate commence with light hearts and clear intentions.
-
SLIDESHOW: CHS graudation
The Cascade High School Class of 2012 graduation ceremony was held May 26.
-
500 Festival hosts memorial ceremony
There is nothing more honorable for a man to give his life for his country.
For all of the Hoosiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice and died in the defense of the United States, the 500 Festival hosted its Annual Memorial Service on Monument Circle Friday.
-
Avon council turns down transit request
Greg Ballard, mayor of Indianapolis, recently developed a letter regarding the support of a referendum on transit funding and had asked other local communities to sign the letter.
-
Community gets peek behind the scenes at IMS
For one sunny day, fans of open wheel racing got a peek under the Indy 500 hood, so to speak, as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway put on its annual Community Day.
-
Local family fights back for cure against rare genetic disease
-
County looks to battle water illnesses
The week prior to Memorial Day serves as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
