This week, I got to see one of my heroes have his wish granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and it was a joy to watch.
Now, I have heard of these amazing granted wishes many times over the years. I have even seen pictures on social media and read articles about these non-profit events. But nothing prepared me for this unique experience. I am not sure anything ever could have – other than seeing it for myself.
And I am so thankful that I did get to participate in this celebration of life.
See, this story started several years back, and thousands of people have heard of its hero since that time. Ethan LaMontagne, a rising senior student and athlete at East Union High School, has overcome not one but two cancerous brain tumors in the last few years.
That sentence alone cannot possibly convey all that it took for Ethan to battle and win those wars against cancer. The shocking interruption of daily life, the uncertainty, the fears, the worries, the surgeries, the treatments, the overwhelming sickness and constant fatigue following those treatments only reveal a few of Ethan’s battles. Not to mention the struggles his family also endured as they battled alongside him.
But through those hardships and more, Ethan and his family stood strong in their faith, while an entire loving community watched and learned.
They watched as Ethan showed up to school and participated in athletic events, despite what should have been debilitating treatments. They watched as he refused to give up or even give an inch to the cancer. They watched as he encouraged others even when he really needed encouragement for himself. They watched as he shared the message of hope he found in Jesus over and over through multiple avenues of media. And they watched as he overcame cancer … twice.
So, when his beloved Urchins won another state championship title in baseball this year (the third state title in four years), no one in East Union was surprised that Ethan garnered the MVP trophy for the championship games. Truth was, Ethan was already their MVP well before the games began.
Ultimately, the Make-A-Wish party held on Tuesday, June 24, with his family, his friends, and his entire baseball team was a testament to a real-life MVP.
But as we watched Ethan and his family receive his dream wish of a fishing and hiking trip to Alaska, it was more than a celebration of overcoming cancer. It was another big step in a journey that will inevitably take this young man and his story of resilient hope to more and more people in need of similar hope.
In fact, the donor family who helped make Ethan’s dream come true was amazed as they met Ethan and witnessed his humble grace and love for others. They commented on the rarity of meeting such a godly young man – a team full of such young men, to be exact.
So, yes, Ethan LaMontagne’s wish was granted this week, but for the amazing community surrounding East Union High School, the real granted wish was simply watching their MVP celebrate life with those he loves.
*** Read an earlier Our Mississippi Home story about Ethan and another amazing young Mississippi cancer survivor here: https://ourmshome.com/the-warriors-won-again/.
*Photos are courtesy of East Union Attendance Center
