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Joshua’s Wish Story

Joshua, 6, Portland
Wish: to have a pirate adventure

Joshua’s wish for a pirate adventure became a reality on May 31, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with help from Gray’s Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, the crew of the Lady Washington, and B.O.O.M. Pirates. The 6-year-old was eligible for this wish because he has Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of cancer.

The magical journey began when a long black limousine picked up Joshua, his parents and five older sisters from their Portland home early Thursday morning. Joshua was ready in his authentic handmade pirate shirt, pants, leather belt, leather vest, leather eye patch, red sash, black head scarf, scabbard and sword. His family followed the theme by donning B.O.O.M. Pirates t-shirts and bandanas, each with their own flare. The destination was Vancouver, Washington, to board the Lady Washington tall sailing ship for its voyage to Portland.

When they arrived at the ship, the family received a V.I.P. tour and met the entire crew (who were all dressed in 18th century garb). Once they set sail, Joshua was invited to help with many aspects of the journey – from working the windlass and coiling the rope to loading the cannons for “battle” with the other tall sailing ship, the Hawaiian Chieftain.

Once they made port at the Waterfront, Joshua was greeted by family, friends, Make-A-Wish volunteers and staff, and of course, the “Brotherhood Of Oceanic Mercenaries” (a.k.a. B.O.O.M. Pirates). The B.O.O.M. Pirates immediately presented Joshua his very own, personally-made pirate hat, gave him his new pirate name, Red Dog, sang a few pirate chants, and announced the first clue for his treasure hunt.

After several clues and stops throughout Waterfront Village, Joshua discovered his bounty – more pirate paraphernalia, toys, books, souvenirs than any little pirate could ask for – along with a surprise appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow. The wish culminated with a presentation of a cake in the shape of a treasure chest, complete with jewels flowing out. The joyous adventure ended with the limo ride home, after a long day of pirate antics for little Red Dog and his crew.

While his last scan was clear of cancer, Red Dog has experienced a rough journey with his condition and was certainly deserving of his wish-come-true for a pirate adventure. Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in his C-6 neck vertebra when he was just four years old, Joshua has endured 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 31 proton radiation treatments, according to his web site.

Watch KATU’s coverage of this special wish-come-true. [watch news video]

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