Aurora Cancer Patient, 3, Will Get Special Ride in Police SUV in St. Patrick's Day Parade

An Aurora toddler who suffers from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, is excited for his debut Saturday in the St. Charles St. Patrick's Day Parade where he will be riding in the lead car, a St. Charles Police Department SUV.

Make-A-Wish helped make the 3-year-old's appearance in the parade possible. Blake, who loves cars, truck and trains, will be joined by his father, Scott, in Saturday's parade. Blake also suffers from an autoimmune disorder and the hope is that his ride in front of 20,000 parade-goers will put a smile on his face and help take his mind off his illness.

Blake's mom, Larissa, said Blake's favorite episode of the Nick Jr. show Team Umizoomi is the UmiCops show and that he loves the sirens, which he always tries to imitate. He is all ready to wave for the crowds during Saturday's parade.

"He's a ham," she said.

Blake's spot in the parade was made possible by Make-A-Wish volunteer Melinda Kintz, who is the sister-in-law to St. Charles Deputy Chief Dave Kintz. Melinda Kintz saw the parade as a perfect fit for Blake.

“When my wish granting partner and I met this family and heard about Blake's love of cars, trucks and trains, we immediately thought the parade would be fun for him and his Dad to experience together,” she said.

She said the city graciously stepped up to make sure Blake had a spot in the parade.

“The City of St. Charles has been kind and generous in the past about finding a spot for our wish kids in both the St. Patrick's and Christmas Electric parades. We appreciate the City’s enthusiasm and support," Melinda Kintz said. "They are providing a lasting family memory and a nice break in the medical storm. Priceless."

David Kintz said the police department was happy to help.

“It is a great opportunity for us to put a smile on Blake's face with all that he is going through,” he said. “We hope that he likes getting a front row seat to the parade and the opportunity to ride in a squad car.”

So, be sure to cheer loudly for the lead car in the St. Charles St. Patrick's Day Parade, which will step off on Main Street, between 6th Street and 4th Avenue, at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Make-A-Wish also has plans to visit Florida theme parks, especially those with animals, this summer.

More Information on Patch

• Traffic and Parking Advisory for the 2016 St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Charles
• St. Patrick's Day 2016: Parades, Festivities and Fireworks in the Chicago Suburbs