After a couple of months of aggressive treatment, the chemotherapy that Casey had been receiving began to have a positive effect. Given the progress, his physician decided it was time to try and remove the tumor so Casey underwent a 12-hour surgical procedure to remove the tumor and reconstruct the inside of his throat. Despite the surgery being considered a success, Casey’s medical team agreed that he required additional treatments, so Casey had 7 more weeks of radiation therapy after the surgery.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan followed Casey’s journey throughout all of his procedures and maintained close contact with his family. They granted his wish to go to The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island to swim with the pigs. Casey had a wonderful time with his family and his friend. It was a sorely needed break from the routine he had been facing of regular hospital visits, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, needles, scans and doctor’s visits.

Since Casey’s trip, Varsity Ford has been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s 300 mile bike race held annually that runs from Traverse City to Marshall, Michigan. The race normally draws hundreds of racers every year, although it got canceled this year. Casey became a Wish Hero for the event who greets riders as they cross finish line. In that role he also gets to present riders with their well-deserved medals. In 2019, Casey decided he was ready to be a rider and participated in 100 miles of the race!

In three short years, Casey has gone from a Wish Kid, to a Wish Hero, to a Wish Rider. Next year Casey is planning to go all 300 miles of the race!

We wish Casey and his family the best as he continues to win the battle against cancer and our entire staff is proud to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.wish.org.