'An army of support': First Trees of Joy event celebrates 7 P.E.I. families
CBC
The cruise ship terminal at the Port of Charlottetown has received a holiday makeover for the first Make-A-Wish Trees of Joy event held in P.E.I., held in honour of seven Island children living with critical illnesses.
Among the decorations that now adorn the terminal are seven Christmas trees, one decorated specifically for each of the children and their families by a business or community organization in P.E.I. Dozens of people lined the walls of the terminal Thursday for the event, cheering on the families as they located their trees.
As seven-year-old Maverick Bishop approached his tree, he noticed a very special decoration draped across its branches.
"My beads from home," he said.
Maverick's dad, Woodrow Bishop, said the long string of beads decorating the tree has been created over many years. Maverick was born with congenital heart disease and every time he has a medical procedure or a surgery he adds what he calls a bravery bead to the chain, Bishop said.
"He's now had six open-heart surgeries and he'll have his seventh in the new year, I'm sure," Bishop said.
"He has a lot of bravery beads that they were able to incorporate into the tree so … you get kind of emotional when you see that on there."
Maverick also quickly noticed a number of presents stacked under the tree. After sharing a meal all seven children and their families also had time to open gifts under their special trees.
The seven families have either had wishes granted, or are waiting for a wish to be granted by Make-A-Wish Canada.
Bishop said meeting other people facing similar challenges is an important framework of support.
"When you're going through a journey like we all are you need an army of support," Bishop said.
"It's nice to have us all together in one room and get to know each other a little bit better but also to not think about the hospital and not think about what tomorrow or what the next day is, we're just enjoying tonight."
For Davis Nicholson, 18, the ideal Christmas tree had to be covered in fresh white snow and include a nod to his favourite sports team, the Toronto Raptors.
"It was such a surreal experience just seeing all the trees set up," Nicholson said.
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Warning: This story deals with suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can find resources for help at the bottom of this story.