NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - The Texas boy who set out on a bucket list trip with his family in March is now living out his last days with terminal cancer at his New Braunfels home.
- Will Birdsell suffers from metastatic osteosarcoma
- Family visited Las Vegas, California, Hawaii
- Were surprised by pandemic lockdown upon return
His parents say their son Will Birdsell has changed a lot since returning home.
"He is sleeping a lot more and he is eating a lot less. There is a clear disease progression," said Jason Birdsell, Will's father.
In between naps, Will's parents say he'll wake up and tell stories from their recent trip. Many of them include checking off his bucket list items like shooting a bow and arrow in Arizona or visiting the Grand Canyon on a cold, wintry day.
"That was like a bucket list check for Will because he got to play in the snow for the first [at the Grand Canyon] and the last," his father said.
The family also visited the Las Vegas Speedway, where Will got to ride shotgun in a McLaren.
"Then we went to California and went to Disneyland and Disney, just went all out. We had chaperones that brought us through the park and stayed in character at the Star Wars Land. R2-D2 came over and spent an hour with us and we got to dance with Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy," he said.
Will also got to visit the Jessie Rees Foundation Headquarters, where they make JoyJars for other children fighting cancer. Will, who is a past recipient, made one for his pal also battling cancer.
"Then we left for Maui and we were there for five days and they took such good care of us," said Heather Birdsell, Will's mother.
The Birdsell family takes a selfie in their car during a Hawaii trip (Courtesy: The Birdsell family)
Memories his parents now enjoy reliving each time Will wakes up from his sleep.
"I think that part just kinda solidifies the fact us going on this bucket list trip was the right thing to do," said Jason Birdsell.
The timing of the trip was also perfect. As the family was returning home, nationwide shutdowns began due to COVID-19.
"There was bit of a shock to us when we got back home that the world was ending. We came back home and there was no food on shelves," said Jason Birdsell.
Yet, there was food purchased for them by generous neighbors so they didn't have to go without. Neighbors also planned up a special surprise for Will's 11th birthday on March 29.
"There was over 150 cars and trucks and motorcycles and stuff, honking and waving [at Will in the neighborhood], it was awesome," said Heather Birdsell.
The Birdsell family stand in front of their home with superhero characters during a birthday celebration for their son Will (Courtesy: The Birdsell family)
Now, the family says Will is living day to day, receiving medication through an IV drip and having occasional visits from hospice care. His mother says the hardest part is not allowing family or friends visit during the pandemic.
“We've done some FaceTime, especially for them to see Will so that's been nice," she said.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account for those who wish to contribute to help them cover medical expenses.