Tyren Johnson is a very resilient toddler -- at 3 years old, he's already gone through a more challenging experience than some will ever face. But last week, he got to see his biggest dream come true, and it's been making us smile ever since.
Tyren, who lives in Detroit, is a heart transplant survivor. He underwent the difficult surgery last year when he was at the University of Michigan's Children's Hospital with heart problems, according to MLive. After his recovery, Tyren was selected to have his wish granted by Make-A-Wish Michigan, the local arm of the organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
His wish? To be a firefighter.
"I love fire trucks, and I want to be a fireman when I grow up," Tyren said.
Last Tuesday, Tyren arrived at Detroit Fire Engine Co. 54, decked out in pint-sized firefighter gear and a hat that said "Fire Chief." A crowd of onlookers was there to cheer for him and support him as he sprayed a firehose, met a Dalmation, received a badge and hung out with his fellow firefighters.
Detroit Fire Commissioner Edsel Jenkins even "demoted" Fire Chief John King and officially made Tyren chief for the day, according to the Detroit News.
Make-A-Wish Michigan made Tyren's dream come true on World Wish Day, an annual celebration of the first wish granted by Make-A-Wish. It's also the Michigan chapter's 30th year -- they've granted more than 7,500 wishes since 1984.
Though Tyren reportedly had little to say to the large crowds of people -- maybe overwhelmed by all the attention -- his mother, Tiesha Johnson, told the Detroit Free Press her son was doing well.
"We made it -- almost a year now," Johnson said. "You see him running around here. He’s doing excellent."
We're betting Tyren continues to live his dreams -- and hoping that his courageous spirit inspires us to live ours.
Photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish Michigan.
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