A terminally ill boy fulfilled his dream when he was sworn in as a honourary police officer at his local police department in spite of a devastating prognosis.
For seven-year-old Drake Walker from California, US, the idea of following in his dad’s footsteps to become a police officer wasn’t just a dream but something he was determined to make a reality – even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
On August 15 the boy was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) – a rare and aggressive brain cancer – and the family was informed his prognosis was terminal.
However, determined to fulfil his son's aspirations, the youngster’s dad Jim, who’s a sergeant at Torrance police department in California, arranged a special day for him.
“We’re taking it day by day and trying to live life to the fullest and take advantage of the days when Drake’s feeling good,” Jim said.
“[We] also respect the days he isn’t, and he wants to rest.
“It’s been different for us and a struggle to change our lives – [particularly] in seeing your child suffering.”
Presenting a raised palm in a local court on October 16, chief officer Eve Irvine read the police officer’s oath to Drake, who swore to protect the people of his city.
Handed his own personalised badge, the boy was sworn in as an honorary police officer of Torrance.
“We don’t know what’s coming next,” Drake’s mom Leslie said.
“But we’re hopeful there might be another trial to open up.
“Drake is so brave – I’ve been blown away by it.”
“Either Leslie or I would happily step in so that it wouldn’t be Drake who was suffering,” Jim added.
“But we’re getting through it day by day.”
Source: Magazine Features
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