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The force is strong with James Butcher

Nine-year-old James Butcher loves both Star Wars and running. Now, thanks to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada, he's able to combine those interests.
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Nine-year-old James Butcher (front centre, with glasses) has had his dream granted by the Sunshine Foundation of Canada — participating in the Let the Wookiee Win race in Disneyland next month. He's seen here with family members and a few Star Wars characters. Photo by Heidi Ulrichsen.
Nine-year-old James Butcher loves both Star Wars and running. Now, thanks to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada, he's able to combine those interests.

In mid-January, James, his twin brother Michael, mom Paula and dad Matt will head to Disneyland for the Let the Wookiee Win race. The whole family will participate in the five-kilometre event alongside Star Wars characters.

The Grade 4 Churchill Public School student, who has cerebral palsy, had his wish granted by the Sunshine Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of kids of physically disabled or critically ill kids.

“I can't wait to go to warm and sunny California and run with all the Star Wars and Disney characters,” James said, speaking at a celebration put on in his honour by the Sunshine Foundation Dec. 17.

“Thank you all for helping to make my dream come true.”

Although James' condition impacts his legs, requiring botox treatments, physiotherapy and the use of leg braces, he's still a pretty fast runner.

During the last Sudbury Rocks race, he ran the five-kilometre event – hand-in-hand with his dad – in just 34 minutes.

His cerebral palsy makes him sore for days after a race, but his family said James loves running anyway.

Running alongside his son is “the best feeling ever,” Matt said. “He's an awesome kid — so much fun … We get out there and run and have a great time together. It's bonding.”

Paula said the family is humbled by the opportunity.

“As a family who has a child with special needs, you almost don't think of it. It's just your life. And then for somebody to say 'Hey, you guys go through a lot, and you know what, you deserve a little something nice.' It's just such an amazing feeling.”

Sunshine Foundation local vice-chair Cynthia Loiselle-Seguin said it's always exciting when the organization grants kids' wishes.

“That's honestly why we put in the effort as volunteers — the feeling of seeing a child have their dream come true,” she said.

“In a lot of cases, these kids have just had a lot going on in their little lives. We kind of give them some sunshine.”

The Sunshine Foundation of Canada granted the wishes of five local children in the past year. But Loiselle-Seguin said the foundation has enough funds to significantly boost that total.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Sunshine Foundation of Canada is asked to visit www.sunshine.ca or search for “Sunshine Foundation of Canada – Greater Sudbury Chapter" on Facebook.

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Heidi Ulrichsen

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