SC boy receives 'Paw Patrol' themed wish from Kids Wish Network

CHERAW, S.C. — By the age of 5, Phoenix has already had three open-heart surgeries to repair his congenital heart defect. Before one of his procedures, his oxygen levels became dangerously low and he almost did not survive.

Phoenix’s happiness comes from watching his favorite TV character Marshall on “Paw Patrol” and loves anything relating to police officers. So much so, he wants to be a police officer when he grows up so he can “catch the bad guys.”

The Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization who grants once in a lifetime wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

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Children who receive a wish can ask for anything. Phoenix simply asked for a toy fire truck and police car.

Phoenix’s wish came in multiple parts. The first began at his local Walmart in Cheraw.

Walmart put together a “Paw Patrol” themed shopping spree, where Phoenix could shop for anything his heart desired. The crew decorated the conference room with “Paw Patrol” decorations and the store manager designed special shirts for the occasion.

He filled his cart with “Paw Patrol” toys.

“He had a wonderful time,” his mom Paula said. “The look on his face was priceless. The wish built Phoenix’s confidence. He knows that people care about him and feels very special.”

The second part of his wish came in the form of his favorite local heroes – police officers, firefighters, and EMS crew members.

Phoenix was able to do a photoshoot with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office and their K-9 Unit at Cheraw State Park. He is seen wearing a police hat and getting his photo taken inside the police car.

Next, he received a visit from the Cheraw Fire Department who awarded him with honors as their newest Junior Firefighter.

The last part of his wish is something he can look forward to in August. He will be seeing his favorite “Paw Patrol” character Marshall on stage at “Paw Patrol Live.”

“Phoenix greatly admires his community’s local heroes, and we’re so happy when wishes further inspire our Wish Kids to follow their dreams in bettering the lives of other,” Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai said. “We’re so thankful to Walmart and for the support of everyone involved in making his wish so meaningful.”

Cox Media Group