Justin loves all things outdoors, so a shopping spree at Cabela’s was the perfect choice for this wish kid.
He’s an avid hunter, and his favorite weapon of choice is the bow. This isn’t just a dream come true for Justin, but his parents, too.
“Emotional, it’s been a long road. The past year he’s been in bed 90 percent of the time. It’s nice to see him up, out and about enjoying himself. It’s been a really good day,” said Clydia Strickland, Justin’s mom.
Justin had the run of the store. His first stop was to pick out two bows, then he headed over to the shoe section before checking out the pocket knives.
“What we’re able to do today is help a young man maybe fulfill some of his dreams, make him feel special. It’s his special day, and we were just happy to be a part of him coming in shopping doing what kids do,” said Michael Lawson, events coordinator at Cabela’s.
This was also a day for Justin and his family to be together in the midst of cancer treatment, giving Justin hope for the road ahead.
“It’s a window into the future hopefully. It’s the end of the worst hopefully and the start of a new life. It’s a celebration, and we’re hoping other people can see this and know kids that are out there with childhood cancer can see this and think, ‘Hey, my wish is coming. It’s me next, and I get to choose anything I want to do one time,'” said Strickland.
Now Justin’s equipped for his next camping and hunting trip.
“I’m sure everyone feels special just like I do. To be able to meet someone like Justin and to be able to just be a part of his day really makes us feel special,” said Lawson.
If you’d like to get involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, just give them a call at 806-785-9474.
