Dream set to come true for brave young James Casserly
By Brendan Grehan
IT WILL be a New Year to remember for Lucan’s James Casserly and his family after he got the best news a boy can get.
Courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, James and his family have gone to Florida for a week to visit Disneyworld.
James with Mary from Make-A-Wish with his brochure
James, who turns 13 when he will be in Florida, made his wish with the Make-A-Wish Foundation some time ago.
Just before Christmas, James’ mother, Vicki, got word that the ‘wish giver’ from the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be paying a visit to their Lucan home.
Vicki said: “James knew that Mary the wish giver was coming. His wish was to visit Disneyworld. We knew his wish had been granted. He is a big fan of rollercoasters, he doesn’t get that from me. I must add.”
James was joined by his mother, his dad, Dan Naughton and his younger brother, Tom Naughton for the week-long trip.
It promises to be a great holiday.
Vicki added that, “James was given an itinerary and a Make-A-Wish hat which he refuses to take off. He will turn 13 when he is away so he will come back a teenager.”
James has Cerebral Palsy, which affects his core and lower limbs.
He had a selective dorsal rhizotomy in April 2012 which involved intensive physio recovery.
Three years ago he was diagnosed with idiopathic juvenile arthritis, affecting most joints. This year he was diagnosed with osteoporosis, which when put together with his other conditions, can leave him in a lot of pain.
He has had a busy year, competing in the Dublin City Marathon, running cross-country and playing frame football with Esker Celtic FC. His holiday is well-earned.
Over the years, his charity Team James has raised over €100,000 for Barretstown, the children’s charity that offers specially designed camps and programmes for children living with a serious illness and their families.
