‘MIRACLE’ MICHAEL GETS HIS BIG BIRTHDAY WISH
Boy has rare condition that affects his connective tissues and his medical needs are extensive
“Fire trucks! Fire trucks! Fire trucks!”
That is the morning refrain upon waking up for little Michael Reading, according to his mother, Emily.
Michael is a miracle, his family
and friends say, because he was not expected to reach his second birthday. But with a lot of love from his parents and the support of friends and the community, he happily rose on Wednesday to be surprised with some actual fire trucks and even a helicopter flyover.
The Alameda County Fire Department,
along with the Vallejo Department, were there to help him celebrate his birthday on Wednesday. Their arrival came even as a surprise to his parents.
Michael has a rare condition that affects his connective tissues and his medical needs are extensive. When access to a pool that he needed for physical therapy
was removed in Castro Valley, the family moved to Vallejo where they can use a special pool for him.
“Thank you for coming,” said his father Rob to church friends and other family friends gathered in front of his house under cloud cover and a chance of
showers. But nothing was going to rain on this parade.
Michael emerged in his mother’s arms from the front door and headed straight for the balloons, then he held a picture of a fire truck and listed off its parts — “ladder, wheels, tires, door.”
From there he headed over to the goody table, where friend Megan Fernsten had baked some adorable cookies in the shape of Dalmations, firefighters, and of course, a fire truck. The cookies were wrapped in cellophane with ribbon.
“Open it up!” said Michael to his mom.
Then, from over the rise, soft sirens could be heard, and a parade of first responder vehicles appeared: two fire trucks, EMTs, and other vehicles from both Alameda County and Vallejo. His mom let him inspect every inch of the vehicles and even sit in the driver’s seat.
The event was partially put together by Heather Marques, Alameda County fire chief. When Michael lived in Castro Valley, he would visit fire stations as often as he could and a friendship between the department and the family has endured. Marques notified the Vallejo FD about his special day, and they were quick to help out.
“It’s an honor, really,” said Vallejo Fire Captain Steve Thompson. “I have a two-year-old myself and I can understand how important this is for him.”
Thompson said it really shows something about fire departments in general and how different agencies can work together to make something like this happen. It’s also a great thing to get to do for the first responders and other staff.
Alameda County Fire Public Affairs Manager Joanna Leal agreed.
“It’s such a wonderful experience to be part of this,” she said. “To see the will and the spirit to live and survive and to be a part of this incredibly special person’s life.”
Michael’s mom said that every day for him can be different with his condition, and he rarely gets to go places. He does, however, “draw 100 fire trucks” aday.
“We feel very loved,” she said about the event, at times holding back her tears.
Michael might have been a little overwhelmed with all the party-goers, but his transfixion with the trucks certainly made up for it.
Soon, as if by providence, the clouds overhead began to clear and the sun shined through blue sky.
“It’s the best birthday a two-year-old could ever have,” said Emily.
And it was.