A Christmas Miracle

Many of us may have never experienced one of these wonders, but we’ve sure heard of the remarkable stories. There’s the baby that’s welcomed into the world on December 25th or perhaps the needy family that’s surprised with Christmas gifts from strangers.

Well, you’re about to read another. This one is about a sweet pint-sized miracle adorned with a smile that can light up a room. If you live in Saline County, you may have heard his name around town a time or two (or three or four). Easton Begoon has become a household name for some families. For others, he’s a real-life super hero, living more life in his short four years than most people will live in a lifetime.

On July 25th, 2011 Tara and Hunter Begoon learned the heartbreaking news that their precious toddler and only child Easton had been diagnosed with T-cell leukemia, a rare form of cancer. He’d just celebrated his 2nd birthday.

The fun-loving playful child had to be extra cautious going outside or leaving the hospital because he was highly susceptible to infections. He underwent countless blood transfusions. Right by his side were the people of Saline County. Friends, family, and dozens of strangers donated blood in Easton’s name.

As for 2013, Christmas and Thanksgiving blessings came early for this walking angel. In a few days, he’ll pack his bags and fly to Disney World, the happiest place on earth. Far away from blood drives, the hospital and medical charts, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck have the trip of a lifetime planned for Easton and his family.

Dr. Melanie Spann, owner of Lifeline Chiropractic in Bryant says, “We were so blessed to be a part of this. The look on Easton’s face was priceless when we told him.” Lifeline Chiropractic was one of several businesses in the community to support the family with everything from financial aid, medical bills, to prayers and emotional support.

In January, Spann and her team began a fundraising campaign to help grant Easton his Wish of flying in a helicopter and visiting Disney World. To make it happen, they needed $5,000. The goal was reached and doctors cleared Easton to make the trip. “We worked all year. It was hard work, but the pay off is amazing,” says Spann.

After a year of chemotherapy, two weeks of cranial and spinal radiation, and a bone marrow transplant in 2012, Easton is now in remission. It’s a blessing Spann was thrilled to hear.

“We wanted to give back to this family and let them know we care. We are so excited. He is one of the bravest little heroes of our community and he’s kicking cancer,” she says.

Despite his remission, a team of oncologists, cardiologists, and neurologists is still monitoring Easton closely.

Lifeline Chiropractic partnered with Make-A-Wish to make both of Easton’s dreams a reality. Since 1986, Make-A-Wish Mid-South has been granting wishes and making children smile all over the state of Arkansas. With the help of 5,000 volunteers and many donations, they’ve granted more than 3,100 wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish as a whole has granted the wishes of more than 250,000 children around the world.

On average, every 38 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories. Organizers say wishes make life better and that one wish can truly be a game-changer.

They say the goal is to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and healing. According to the Make-A-Wish website, “When children have a life-threatening medical condition, they need a loving family, excellent medical services, an extended community of supportive, loyal friends, teachers, and people who care. Although doctors provide the medical care, they tell us that a wish is powerful medicine, and it is the wishes that provide hope, laughter and fun times for children to be who they
are…children.”

Your generosity will make a difference. You too can be a Christmas miracle for a child in Arkansas and help them have future with bright
days and dreams. You can visit the Make-A-Wish Midouth website at midsouth.wish.org to donate online.

As for Spann and her team at Bryant’s Lifeline Chiropractic, they’re exploring the idea of partnering with Make-A-Wish again in the
future to help another child in need in Saline County.

And for Easton, he’s guaranteed to sparkle as he sees his “happily-ever-after” come alive in just a few short days; celebrating the magic of childhood and more importantly, a healthier life.