Newcastle resident Landon Horath lives with the challenges of having Eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic disease of the esophagus.
Because of his health needs, he must endure a variety of medical procedures.
It is also because of this lifelong illness that Landon was recently granted a dream from the Sunshine Foundation for a Shopping Spree.
Landon’s mother, Cassandra, said Landon received the generous gift of a shopping spree, and his favorite item is a Virtual Reality video game set.
“He chose a VR game setup because it gives him an escape when he’s not feeling well or is recovering from surgeries and procedures,” Cassandra said. “He can still play with friends and enjoy an escape from the realities of medications and doctor’s offices.”
She said Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, lifelong illness, and having it can be a lot to cope with for a teenager. But the thoughtfulness and gesture by the Sunshine Foundation meant a lot.
“He was also able to purchase additional games and some great new comfy clothes and shoes. He is so grateful to everyone who donated and made his wish possible,” Cassandra said.
Sunshine Foundation provides the answers to dreams for many children who have these types of illnesses and conditions. They may have spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Level 3 severe autism, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, severe epilepsy, Sickle Cell Disease, blindness, deafness, trauma from abuse, and others.
Sunshine Foundation, which focuses on children who may have been turned away from other wish-granting organizations because their disease is not life-threatening, relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations, and corporations.
Landon’s “Dream Come True” was made possible through a generous grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures, a Sunshine Foundation spokesperson said.
Cassandra said, “Our family is so thankful for this opportunity that we could not have provided for him without the help of the Sunshine Foundation.”
The spokesperson said the most common request is a magical dream to visit Disney World, Legoland, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios while choosing to stay at the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village near Disney.
They said Sunshine Foundation also answers special dreams which could include shopping sprees such as Landon’s, computers and iPads, outdoor playsets, above ground swimming pools, family trips, cruises, adaptive tricycles, other special needs equipment, and more.
Sunshine Foundation has spread Sunshine into the lives of more than 42,000 children throughout the United States since 1976. To make a donation, please visit www.sunshinefoundation. org.
