WATCH ABOVE: A Dartmouth boy was given $5,000 to spend in a toy store thanks to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Global’s Ray Bradshaw reports.
DARTMOUTH – Most kids wish they had more toys, but imagine a kid in a toy store with $5,000 to spend.
That was the wish granted to a Dartmouth boy Thursday morning by the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Five-year-old Leeland Hill entered Walmart with his grandparents and mother to begin his shopping spree.
It didn’t take long for Hill to start filling shopping carts.
His mother didn’t know he was ill until just after his third birthday. He fell and hit his head and doctors discovered a tumor.
“When they found it they told us had they not, he would have been dead within 24 hours,” said Denise Hill, Leeland’s mom.
“It was a tennis ball-sized tumor on the back of his brain.”
Leeland went through 31 rounds of radiation and 52 rounds of chemotherapy, but he bounced back, and is a ball of energy.
A woman who worked next door to Leeland’s house nominated him as a Children’s Wish Foundation recipient.
“He used to come into the office and say hi to everybody, so he’s very outgoing, very friendly,” said Kathy Robinson. “He’s got a wonderful smile and how can you not love a little child that’s so kind and considerate.”
The Children’s Wish Foundation thought the same, and granted Leeland’s wish for new toys.
“It’s been pretty amazing,” said Jacob Rafuse, the wish coordinator at the Children’s Wish Foundation. “It’s pretty exciting to be able to grant his wish for this little guy. He’s really, well deserving of it.”
Denise and her son live with her parents, where Leeland spends a lot of time with his grandfather.
“He’s my best friend,” said Rod McQueen, Leeland’s grandfather.
“Right from day one, his mom called us from the hospital. I went down and saw him and he got hold of my heartstrings right away.”
Leeland picked up a variety of toys, but trucks seemed to be his favourite.
“It’s going to leave a lasting effect for him and he loves it. You know, it’s his day. it’s all about him,” Denise said.
“Thank you Children’s Wish,” said Leeland before leaving the Toys”R”Us store in Dartmouth Crossing.
Leeland spent about $1,300 at Walmart and another $2,400 at Toys”R”Us leaving his mom with gift cards totaling $1,300 for future spending.
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