Kids Wish Network reached out to The Katy News to make us aware of a native Katy boy named Gerardo Rodriguez whose wish was to be granted on Monday, February 6th. We were invited to capture this event as Rodriguez’s wish was granted and he was given a shopping spree at Walmart on North Fry Road.
When Rodriguez was 15 years old, fatigue, a pale-yellow tinge to his skin and eyes, and bruising all over his body were signs for his parents to become very concerned. They took him to doctors who performed various tests. The family was given a diagnosis that was devastating. The tests were conclusive for a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL. This is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The treatment included three years of chemotherapy and now close monitoring of his blood counts. Rodriguez received his treatments through Texas Children’s Hospital.
Rodriguez was picked up and dropped off at the Katy Walmart in a Lincoln Navigator provided courtesy of West Point Lincoln.
We spoke to Rodriguez and asked him about the treatment. “I spent a lot of time in bed either watching TV or playing video games,” he said. He told us that the cancer is in remission at this point and that he can return to school. He is a student at Morton Ranch High School. He has been doing his studies via emails from the teachers at the school and trying to keep up so that he can graduate. Although he can now return to school, he still needs to be very careful and stay away from people who are sick. He also has to be extremely careful at PE and to not become too fatigued. He also spends time with his dog Max.
As with most teenagers, Rodriguez enjoyed hanging out with his friends, playing video games and going to the mall. He loves watching television and movies and hopes to one day have a big screen TV to give him the best viewing experience. His goal is to first finish his education and then train to be an EMT. Following that he hopes to continue his studies at Texas A&M to become a doctor so that he can help others.
Kids Wish Network partnered with Walmart to grant his wish, giving Gerardo gift certificates with which he could purchase items he wanted. Among the items that Rodriguez picked out was his most wanted item a Vizio 70” TV, PS4 4, Blue Tooth for Radio, 4 Video Games and a HP Notebook. There were still a few other items he would have liked however he was very happy with what he received as they loaded the items for the return trip home. Congratulations to Rodriguez and we wish you continued remission and good health.
Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children, facing life-altering circumstances. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit them at www.kidswishnetwork.org.
