This Thanksgiving promises to be a memorable holiday for 6-year-old Artie Riley.
If his wish comes true, he'll be united with his older sister in Fargo -- and, for the first time in his young and challenging life, he'll see snow.
The Hollywood, Fla., boy is scheduled to arrive today in Fargo on an excursion granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Artie, who's been undergoing chemotherapy to treat leukemia, is to arrive with his three brothers. They'll be greeted by his brother-in-law and niece -- and a contingent of community well-wishers.
The Moorhead Knights of Columbus will be at the airport to present teddy bears to Artie, his brothers and niece.
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Sharon Mitchell Mazaheri and Renee Myhra of Make-A-Wish will be waiting with an itinerary that includes a visit to a farm and dropping the opening puck at a hockey game.
The Fargo-Moorhead Jets, who will host the Minnesota Blizzard at the Fargo Coliseum, will make Artie their special guest at Friday's hockey game. He'll meet players from both teams.
Saturday, he'll have breakfast with Santa at Santa's Village and will turn on the Christmas lights at Lindenwood Park. The forecast holds a chance of snow.
Sunday's activities include a visit at a farm near Downer, Minn., where Artie will ride a tractor and feed buffalo.
Sadly, an important person won't be joining Artie on his adventure to the northland. His mother, terminally ill with lung cancer, is in the hospital and unable to travel.
Artie's older sister, Brandi Boechler of Fargo, will arrive later from Florida, where she has been visiting their mother.
Since Artie's trip plans were reported two weeks ago, area residents have responded with an outpouring of calls offering to help in one way or another.
"I'm amazed at the community support," said Mitchell Mazaheri. The foundation has received an average of a dozen calls a day offering support.
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Sixth-graders from Fargo's Clara Barton Elementary School put together a book, with coloring and written messages, relating their experiences with snow.
Toys "R" Us will provide a shopping spree.
Artie's trip will be a first for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Dakota, which has worked since 1985 to grant the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses. It's the first time a child has wished to visit the state.
This year the foundation sent 12 North Dakota children to Disney World in Florida.
"To have someone request to come to North Dakota is fun," Myhra said. "We're excited."
The foundation hopes the outpouring of public support shown for Artie will result in financial donations as well. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Dakota currently is trying to grant requests of 24 children. It costs, on average, $6,000 to grant a wish.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Patrick Springer at (701) 241-5522
