r At the age of 4, Jude Johnson has spent nearly half his life in and out of the hospital fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Next month he’ll have the chance to spend time his time, instead, in “the happiest place on earth.” The Make a Wish Foundation is sending Jude to Disneyworld.
The Spanish Fork Police Department helped announce Jude’s wish had been granted with a visit to his house. They pulled up in their vehicles and turned on his favorite song, a classical piece, on their intercom. They then came up the sidewalk with a sign that said, “Jude, You’re going to Disneyworld,” and gave him toys and games for the plane ride. “He got really excited and it was pretty cool,” said Jude’s mother, Robyn Johnson.
The pre-schooler was first diagnosed in February 2016. Right now he’s in the maintenance phase of the 3 1/2 year treatment schedule. Doctors haven’t seen any cancer cells for a couple of years now, but he’s still undergoing treatments to keep cancer away.
“So far he’s been doing pretty well, he has his ups and downs,” she said. Once a month, Jude goes to get chemo through IV port and every three months, he does a lumbar puncture and they inject chemo into his spinal fluid.
Last year, Jude was also diagnosed with high functioning autism.
Throughout it all, Johnson said he’s been very strong and very positive. “A lot of adults that go through this have a hard time and are sad, but he does it with a smile and sings songs. He’s very happy and resilient. He’s a pretty special kid,” she said.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation works with local donors to help sick children live out their dreams.
“I think they’re incredible,” said Johnson. “It’s a group of amazing people that are just trying to help those in need. And I think it’s really cool.”
