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A 7-year-old with lymphoma was granted his one true wish: to be a police officer. The Hastings Police Department officially made him the youngest honorary member of the police department for the day. 

He had been dealing with health issues since he was four years old, wish mom Alisha said.Dre was only five years old when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that caused Dre to develop a large mass on his neck.  

“He was very brave,” Alisha said. “He didn’t like all the medications and all the bloodwork. After he realized it was going to make him feel better, he went with the flow and knew it was what he had to do.” 

He decided he wanted to be a police officer after an incident years ago, which made him decide that he needed to protect his mom. 

“Dre wanting to protect and take care of people makes me feel like I did something right with him,” Alisha said. “It makes me feel like he’ll be a good person, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.” 

When the Hastings Police Department and Make-A-Wish® Michigan came up with a plan, Dre was excited about the opportunity.At the Hastings City Hall Friday, he took part in a swearing-in ceremony.It was a special moment for Dre and his family, and the police officers taking part. 

Dre went on a tour of the Hastings City Police Station, wearing his very own uniform complete with a hat, handcuffs, and a utility belt. After a swearing-in ceremony, he radioed into dispatch that he was on duty. Dre explored the Department of Public Works and arrested his brother and grandfather during that tour. He then gave a traffic ticket to another officer during a low-speed chase, before heading over for a personal tour of the Barry County Dispatch Department.  

Dre, who is in remission from lymphoma, was treated at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.Because of the generous support of donors like you, Dre's wish ignited a joy so powerful that it helped heal his spirit. Facing endless doctor appointmentsand missing out on childhood experiences is tough but wishes boosts spirits and gives hope. A wish is proven to be a necessary part of a child's medical treatment journey, giving them a better chance of recoveringfrom their critical illness.