This year, Oliver’s birthday was at risk of his diagnosis and quarantine. Instead, Oliver was treated to an unforgettable celebration.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The East Texas community gathered behind one Brownsboro five-year-old boy and gave him a birthday he would never forget.
Oliver Reece was diagnosed with blood cancer B-cell leukemia last summer. He remains at high risk and misses a typical childhood. Community members held a birthday parade for young people fighting cancer.
“The cancer diagnosis will make him unable to have memories of his birthday very much,” said Oliver’s mother, Rachel Reese.
This year, Oliver’s birthday was at risk of his diagnosis and quarantine.
“He’s not allowed to be a child and he can’t just run and play with other people,” Reese said. “It’s just a daily battle.”
Instead, Oliver was treated to an unforgettable celebration thanks to the Brownsboro community.
Friends, family and neighbors gathered to make sure his special day was worthy and remembered forever.
“It’s crazy to think that you can get together to love such a sweet little boy. He deserves it,” Reese said.
Oliver’s younger sister, Chloe Bishop, was one of many who helped organize the parade. She said that it started with a handful of people growing into something bigger.
“We are very grateful for everything that everyone has done for us,” Bishop said.
The family hoped the procession would provide a welcome distraction and hoped that Oliver and Reese families would instantly forget the tough battles they face.
“This is the first time he has socialized in the last six or seven months,” Bishop said. “It’s nice to see him smile a little and meet everyone.”
Nicknamed Oliver, his family abandoned his bracelet and celebrated his strength by wearing a t-shirt with the brave ‘bear’ slogan.
“If you witness a child with cancer in person, they’ll tell you, you won’t believe how resilient your child is,” Reese said.
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