By Sarina Trangle
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew flew into Juniper Valley Park Monday to give an 8-year-old with a life-threatening illness the tour of his dreams.
Colin Flood, who is battling his second round of acute lymphocytic leukemia, had long wished to see the aircraft up-close because he was an avid fan of television shows like “Coast Guard Alaska” and “Deadliest Catch,” according to the Coast Guard.
But given his diagnosis, Colin’s family was not sure if he would be able to travel and see a Coast Guard helicopter in person.
Working with the Police and Fire departments, the Coast Guard said it organized a visit to the park near Colin’s home Monday.
“It meant a lot to us to see the happiness on Colin’s face and to be able to fulfill his dream to see a Coast Guard helicopter up-close and personal,” Special Agent John Keeley said in a press release.
Besides offering Colin a tour of the helicopter, the Coast Guard gave him a photograph of the aircraft signed by the crew, a Coast Guard cap and T-shirt, unit patches and a name tag.
Reach reporter Sarina Trangle at 718-260-4546 or by e-mail at strangle@cnglocal.com.
