To brighten up his day

Lewisporte - Many people came out to see the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron from 9 Wing Gander on July 16. But the crew came to see one special four-year-old boy and his family.

Gideon Stairs is that special boy.

As he sat on the bank of Woolfrey's Pond in his Mom Stevie's arms, the Search and Rescue team performed their maneuvers right in front of his little eyes.

His face was bright as he watched MCPL Brad Power and MWO Derek Curtis lowered into Woolfrey's Pond.

This was a time for Gideon and his family to focus on having fun.

Gideon was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2007. He has been undergoing medical treatment every since, so far having spent 50 per cent of his childhood in the hospital.

"He is feeling good now and is enjoying playing," said Ms. Stairs. "He is really happy to be home."

MCPL Power is a SAR tech with Search and Rescue. He wanted to do this for Gideon.

"We did this just for Gideon. I knew his family from my wife," said MCPL Power. "I wanted to bring a little happiness and to brighten up his day.

"I'm really glad he had a chance to see the helicopter and the family was very appreciative."

The family found out about the Search and Rescue team from Gander coming to Lewisporte to see Gideon last week. Ms. Stairs said that her son has a love of mighty machines.

"Since he's been in the hospital he has been watching a lot of shows with helicopters and planes in them," said Ms. Stairs. "But he has never seen a real one up close - it was very exciting."

Mr. Power contacted Lisa Snow in Lewisporte when he wanted to set this day up.

"Brad initiated it by himself," said Ms. Snow. "He called me and said he wanted to do something and this is what he came up with. It was very touching, it is just so special, and there are no words to describe it."

The family has been getting a lot of support from the community and people are going beyond their expectations.

"We are just very humbled," said Ms. Stairs. "For them to do this for him, we are so touched with peoples generosity and for his days to be filled with fun and joy."

After the demonstration at Woolfrey's Pond the helicopter landed at the ball field in Lewisporte where Gideon was able to have a look inside and explore the helicopter.

He was fascinated with the bubble window used by the Search and Rescue to see below the aircraft. Gideon got to try out the seats and even wear their helmet. Before the crew left, Gideon was presented with his own ball hat with the helicopter on it and a replica of the Search and Rescue chopper.

After it was all said and done Gideon went home with his family and played with his chopper for the rest of the night while wearing his ball hat.

He was extremely proud to have the hat and toy, which he played with right up until bedtime.

In addition to their helicopter adventure the Stairs family left last Friday for Gideon's wish. The Children's Wish Foundation granted the whole family - all 12 of them - to go to Disney World where Gideon can see his favorite charters from the movie Cars. Lightning McQueen and his pals will be happy to see Gideon and his family.

For updates on the family you can go to www.thestairsfamily.com. They will be posting photos and updating their site while on vacation.

You can also look to page 12A for more on Gideon's helicopter adventure and an item on the generosity of people from the community of Lewisporte.

Gideon Stairs tried on MCPL Power's hat on the 103 Search and Rescue helicopter.