Community Makes Little Boy's Halloween Wish Come True

October 8th is not normally a scheduled trick or treating day in most areas, but it was this year in our subdivision... Timbers Edge 3 (we like to refer to it as "TE3").

Timmy O'Connell is a 6 year old 1st grader at Millennium Elementary. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in August and has had numerous procedures to prepare him for the next steps to treat it. He comes from a wonderful family with 4 other siblings: Maggie, Tommy, Bridget and Marty. His Mother Noelle endlessly volunteers her time with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts as well as substitute teaching in District 140. His father, Tim is a hardworking electrician who loves his family and volunteers coaching his boy's baseball teams as well as supporting his family in every way possible.

Timmy's favorite holiday is Halloween. He was scheduled to begin chemotherapy and radiation the week of October 9th. When asked what he wanted to do before he started treatments, he said he wanted to go trick or treating with his friends!

There was a mission to make this little boy's wish come true. The week before, The McGrath family in TE3 made up a flyer, as well as making beautiful gold ribbons. They delivered the flyers and gold ribbons to houses within a couple block radius in our subdivision, asking if the neighbors would be so kind as to help make this little boy's wish come true before he started his treatments. If they were willing to participate, to please display the gold ribbon on their property and to be home to either pass out the candy, or to leave candy near their doorstep.

80 of the 85 houses participated, passing out candy to our TE3 Team Timmy crew! It was an incredible turnout...more than anyone could have possibly imagined, especially for a Sunday afternoon when most people are out running errands or just doing their weekend activities.

Some families even made gifts for Timmy, some made signs and some were just available to give him and his family exactly what they need. The support of their community. A member of TE3 ran the Chicago marathon in honor of Timmy and graciously gave him his medal.

When this nation is at it's worst, sometimes all you need is a little reminder that there is goodness all around us. Nothing better than finding it right next door!

October 8th will forever be known to our friends in TE3 as Timmy-ween!