DIGHTON — Chief Christopher Maguy is pleased to announce that Dighton Fire Department Honorary Firefighter Grant Medeiros, age 5, recently met his bone marrow donor at an event in Boca Raton, Florida.
Medeiros suffers from leukemia and has already undergone multiple surgeries, a bone marrow transplant and long stays at Boston Children’s Hospital during his young life. On Sunday, Jan. 19, he and his parents, Lori and Philip, were in Boca Raton for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry’s Steps for Life 5k Run/Walk South Florida.
During the event, Grant met his bone marrow donor Graeme Ossey, age 31.
“What a fantastic moment for Grant and his family,” Chief Maguy said. “We are thrilled that he was able to meet his donor and is doing really well. Grant is a member of our department and everyone here has been following his progress closely.”
After hearing about Medeiros, who lives in Dighton, in 2018 Chief Maguy and the Dighton Fire Department made him an honorary firefighter during the department’s annual Touch-a-Truck event. At that event the department raised over $2,000 to give to Grant’s family.
In June of 2018, the department helped organize a convoy of fire engines, police cruisers, ambulances and other emergency response vehicles to help escort Grant home from a long stay in the hospital. Medeiros loves fire trucks.
“It’s so amazing to watch this little boy be so brave in the face of such a serious illness,” Chief Maguy said. “I think everyone can learn a little something from Grant and his family about how they have faced his health issues head on and managed to keep a positive attitude throughout. We can’t wait for Grant’s next visit to the station.”
About the Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Gift of Life believes every person battling blood cancer deserves a second chance at life — and they are determined to make it happen. Gift of Life is singularly passionate about engaging the public to help them get everyone involved in curing blood cancer, whether as a donor, a volunteer or a financial supporter. It all begins with one remarkable person, one life-changing swab and one huge win — finding a match and a cure.
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