Novi/Farmington: A Magical Surprise for Henry
In a heartwarming act of generosity, students from Novi High School made the dreams come true for an 8-year-old boy named Henry Tudor from Farmington, who is battling cystic fibrosis. During a spirited halftime event at the school’s Staff vs. Seniors basketball game on December 12, Henry learned that he will be heading to Walt Disney World with his family, thanks to the efforts of the student council and the organization Make-A-Wish Michigan.
A Fantastic Reveal
As the crowd cheered, Henry was called to the center of the court. His eyes widened with amazement as the digital display board lit up with the words, “Henry is going to …”, accompanied by a dazzling image of the Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, students held up hand-painted banners declaring, “You’re going to Disney.”
With his jaw dropped, the excitement in the gym was palpable. Henry’s mother, Christina, expressed her surprise at the grand reveal, noting she had some idea of the plans but didn’t expect such a big production. “It’s wonderful,” she shared, beaming with joy. “I love it! A lot of it was a surprise.”
The Journey of Hope
Henry is no stranger to challenges. He, along with his brother Max, 11, battles cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that makes breathing and digestion difficult. Like many families dealing with similar health issues, the Tudors find themselves navigating a complex healthcare journey. This includes ongoing treatments that take up to 30 minutes twice daily to help manage their symptoms.
“They can’t cough it up,” Christina explained. “When they have a cough, it can lead to infections, which can be life-threatening.” Adding to the family’s challenges, Henry is resistant to certain antibiotics and has multiple allergies, making their daily lives even more challenging. Christina stays home to care for her children, while her husband, Jason, works to support the family.
Novi High School’s Generosity
The initiative to grant Henry’s wish stemmed from a week-long fundraising effort by Novi High School students. The student council organized various engaging events to raise the necessary $20,000 for an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World. These fundraising events included everything from food trucks to pancake breakfasts and even a video game tournament!
“We wanted to think of events that a lot of people would come to,” said Haritha Akella, the student council president. “This year, we moved our events to December because it’s a season of giving.”
The Joy of Giving Back
The students felt a great sense of achievement in being able to fulfill Henry’s wish. “It really means a lot,” said Clara Pohlonski, the student council vice president. “Doing this Wish Week during the holidays brings everyone together in the spirit of giving.” The excitement was palpable as students reflected on the joy of raising enough funds and seeing the impact it has on a child’s life.
What Awaits Henry in Disney
Henry’s love for Legos is sure to make his Disney experience even more special. His mother shared that he plans to visit the Disney Lego store and explore the Minifigure Factory. “He loves, loves, loves Legos,” Christina said, with enthusiasm. “He’s always building different things.”
As the countdown to their magical trip to Disney World begins, the Tudor family looks forward to a well-deserved break filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories. It’s a beautiful reminder of how the community can come together to make a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
