Aiden Fecteau, 13, is a New Hartford boy with Muscular Dystrophy. He's also a "foodie," who loves to cook, and enjoy gourmet dishes. He is longing to go on a food tour of San Francisco. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, his wish is being granted.
"His favorite thing to do? Cook!" said Shelley Fecteau, Aiden's mother. "If he eats something, you'll get like an hour long dissertation about how it tasted, what flavors were in it."
"I like to eat, if you like to eat, you like to cook," Aiden said.
He and his parents will spend about a week in Golden Gate City. They learned about some of the eateries on their itinerary Tuesday evening. The Dish 'n Dat restaurant, in Canton, hosted a surprise party for the occasion. Many area businesses, including Cake Gypsy, Sur la Table, Classic Restaurant Supply, and Collinsville Custom Screen Printing helped celebrate Aiden's wish being granted.
"Make-A-Wish fulfills the wishes of children who have life threatening illnesses," said Debbie Artinian, a Wish Manager with the foundation. "Aiden's wish is a pretty neat wish, we've never had that one before-- having a foodie tour."
"Just shows that he can experience things, get some independence, and it's good to see him being able to enjoy what he loves," said his mother, Shelley.
Aiden laughingly said they might gain a couple pounds. But, he, and his parents, are grateful for this opportunity.
"It means a lot," said Aiden. "Thank you, of course. More than that."
His mother Shelley added, "I can't thank them enough, there's not enough words. It's very touching."
