| On 20 December 2002, the "Stars" really
turned out for 4 year old Curtis Hobbs at his home in Moreno Valley. They
were there to grant the wish of this vibrant young man with the
"Hollywood" smile, who also happened to be afflicted with stage IV
neuroblastoma cancer. But, these stars were not from Hollywood, there was
no red carpet rolled out for them and instead of limousines they arrived
in police cars from the Moreno Valley Police Department.
Nonetheless, it was a gala celebration filled with excitement and wonder
for a sick little boy that was having his fondest wish fulfilled by his
hometown heroes! Upon arrival we were greeted at the door by a young man
wearing the broadest smile I have ever seen. I asked if Curtis was home
and he proudly announced that "he" was Curtis. Standing before him was
Sergeant Ernie Baker who told Curtis to come on outside and see the police
car parked in front of his home. Curtis climbed into the arms of Sergeant
Baker and in an instant the two of the formed a unique and bonding
friendship that would last throughout his wish and beyond.
With the assistance of Deputies Carl Allen, Butch Rasmussen, Omar
Rodriguez and Mark Sedgwick we moved the new computer and desk into
Curtis's home where Terry Streich (City if Moreno Valley Technology
Services) went to work getting the equipment set up and operational. While
Terry was busy with the computer we were all treated to a tour of Curtis's
bedroom by his mom Gwendolyn Jennings. Once the computer was turned on we
gathered around a "wide eyed" Curtis as he watched Spiderman (the movie)
leap to life on his 17" flat panel display. In addition, Terry also loaded
on a game that allowed Curtis to steer "Monster Trucks" in a car crushing
free for all.
As we ready ourselves to depart we all received a final round of hugs from
mom and the man of the hour himself, Curtis. Due to the nature and stage
of his illness we knew hat Curtis had a tough battle ahead with a bleak
outcome. The Deputies departed that day with tarnished badges but not from
evil or unlawful deeds. They were tarnished with tears of both joy and
sorrow for the brave little man they had spent the afternoon with. One
look at the picture of Curtis in the arms of Sergeant Baker will tell you
what the Debbie Chisholm Memorial Foundation is all about! A special thank
you to all who helped make this wish possible and especially to Terry
Streich who went the extra mile.
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