Staff Writer
STACYVILLE — Once every five days, a child in Maine is granted a wish. Imagine the joy and happiness involved in making a little one’s ultimate fantasy come to life? 
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
MAKE-A-WISH COMES TRUE — Six-year-old Bradlee Cullins, in front, and his family are treated to a special send off party on Friday, May 2. The Stacyville boy was granted his wish to go to Disney World and the family left on Sunday, May 4. Pictured here from left are: Billie-Jo Cullins, Bradlee’s mom who is holding 4-month-old Owen, Bradlee’s baby brother, Charlie Cullins, Bradlee’s dad, and sisters Jazmine and Ashlie Cullins.
It’s a moment that makes each person involved in that wish feel complete and totally satisfied — especially if it’s a sick child.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine grants about 70 wishes each year for children with life-threatening illnesses. That averages out to about $6,000 per wish. This week, the lucky recipient is 6-year-old Bradlee Cullins. On Sunday, May 4, Bradlee and his family set sail for Disney World in Florida.
The young Stacyville boy was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia on Feb. 5 of last year and his father Charlie said he’s now in remission and healthy enough to enjoy getting his wish.
“This is Daddy’s boy,” said Charlie. “We do quite a bit together.”
Charlie said Bradlee is still undergoing treatment, but it’s less intense than when he was first diagnosed.
“He only has to go to Bangor now once a month, instead of once a week,” he said. “He’s got two more years of remission before he’s cleared.”
On Friday, May 2, family and friends gathered at the Calvary Baptist Church in Stacyville to give the family a proper sendoff.
“We’re having a wonderful time doing this,” said Make-A-Wish Organizer Marilyn Carey. “It’s a wonderful thing. It just doesn’t get any better than this. It makes you feel good.”
Bradlee’s sisters were quite excited to be going to Disney World where so many famous characters originate from, which makes the chances of being able to see them in person more likely.
“I really want to see Woody,” said Bradlee. “I want to see if he can take off his hat. If he can’t, I might have to give him a warning.”
“I want to see the animal kingdom really bad,” said his 9-year-old sister Ashlie.
“I want to see Hannah Montanna,” said his 8-year-old sister Jazmine.
Both Mom and Dad are excited as well. Everyone, except Bradlee’s mom Billie-Jo, have never been to Disney World. The only thing that will be missing from their trip is Bradlee’s 4-month old baby brother Owen.
“He’ll be staying with my mother while we’re gone,” said Billie-Jo. “I just thank everybody for making it happen and to the community for supporting us.”
To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Program in Maine, visit their Web site at www.maine.wish.org or call 1-800-491-3171.
