William was diagnosed with cancer when he was 4 years old.  It meant doctors visits, hospital stays, many needle pokes, and many days of feeling sick, nauseated, and tired from the medicines that were meant to make him better. The worst part of it was missing his friends.  He missed school, and birthday parties, and playing with neighbors. It was a hard thing for a young child to understand, but William was brave and trusting and he did his best to have a good attitude, often pointing out the bright side or comforting others.  The treatment went fairly well for two years, but then William relapsed.  This time the cancer had infiltrated his central nervous system and it meant a more intense chemotherapy regimen along with radiation.  Finding this out hurt William's heart and soul.  He had done what he was supposed to do.  He was so upset to be starting over, especially because this time he knew the physical pain and the loneliness that it would bring.  This new treatment plan was much harder than the first.  Then one special day, a photographer asked, "If you could be anything, what would you be?"  It was an easy answer. William loved dragons.  He knew for a long time that he wanted to be a dragon rider.  He really connected with the movie, "How to Train a Dragon."  It was so much more like him to want a dragon for a pet than to slay one.  William was told the plan to make him a costume and design a photoshopped dragon for him to ride in a photo.  He was instantly engaged in all of these plans.  He drew dragons and spoke with the photographer about what characteristics it should have.  Everything from how many heads, to the shape of the tail, to sharp scales on its back and its long talons.  William also knew what a dragon rider should wear and he drew a design for his costume.  Those were wonderful months of planning. William was so excited each time he learned about the progress that was being made to prepare for his photoshoot.  He gave feedback about the designs and plans until he was satisfied that his vision was seen. It gave him something good to look forward to.  Instead of focusing on his treatment plans, he could anticipate that amazing day when he would get to be a dragon rider. The day finally came for William to become a dragon rider.  He was helped into his costume, smiling ear to ear, his eyes wide. It was perfect. William marched up a mountain with a camera crew behind him. He climbed and explored and pointed out some rocks up higher where he believed a dragon might live. It seemed like so much more than pretend. William believed in himself while he was dressed in his dragon riding armor.  

The magic didn't end when the day was over.  The first time he saw his finished photograph he stared, smiling and speechless. He was in awe as he examined the photograph, slowly taking in all the details. Finally, he said, "It's awesome." He wore the costume often.  He loved to play and imagine and it was definitely his favorite Halloween costume.  There were even days when he was feeling very sick and just too unwell to play, but he'd put on his costume and sit on the couch to watch tv. Just living in it gave him strength. When he outgrew the costume, he'd put on just the cape.  He kept all of it carefully folded in a special box and talked about how one day he would give it to one of his children. It meant a lot to him. It is still a special memory for us. 

William ended up relapsing 3 more times.  He fought cancer without a break until he passed away at 12 years old. He was about 11 years old when he told us that sometimes he felt like everything he was going through was like hitting a brick wall that he couldn't get through, but with the support of his friends and family he felt like he could get over it. William was compassionate and kind and loving. He loved to give and was always on the lookout for someone he could help.  He was so thoughtful of others' needs and feelings. He understood how meaningful it was to be on the receiving end of such service. I think William would be so happy to know that the Figmentation Foundation is helping more children live out their dreams. I think he'd be touched that he had a part in it.

—-EMILY WAINWRIGHT  ( William’s mama)

William’s Story