Ladd Anderson, 10-Year-Old Leukemia Patient, Becomes Soldier For Day With Make-A-Wish Foundation

Though Ladd Anderson has had to endure exhausting rounds of chemotherapy and doctor’s appointments, the 10-year-old wasn’t interesting in relaxing when it came time for his “Make-A-Wish.” The Michigan boy was set on serving his country.

To help fulfill Ladd’s dream of becoming a soldier, the Make-A-Wish Foundation got together with the United States Army Reserve to organize a day the aspiring serviceman will never forget, TV 6 reports. The “tough guy” (that’s what his mom calls him), slipped into his uniform and helped build a much-needed breakwater bridge for the 2012 Ensign National Championship Regatta sailboat race. The boy, who's battling leukemia, also impressed the fellow military members he worked with along the way.

"That kid is a role model to everybody. I'm jealous of him," Sgt. Bradbury told the news outlet. "Going through what he's going through, still mustering up strength to come out here and want to serve, that's incredible.”

As inspiring as Ladd’s wish was, he’s not the only sick kid out there who has used his wish to make a positive difference in the world.

After Leland Camera was granted a trip to Disney World, the 5-year-old –- who also has leukemia –- asked the dream-fulfilling organization for an additional opportunity, to help hungry kids in his Anchorage, Alaska community, KSL.com reports.

Before the caring kid headed off to Florida, he donned his mouse ears and a suit and served a nutritious meal to children in need at Kid’s Kitchen.

When Leland's mom asked him why he wanted to volunteer, he said the reason was obvious.

“‘So many people helped me," Leland told his mom, "so I want to help others."

Check out other incredibly heartwarming Make-A-Wish Foundation moments in the slideshow below.
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