"Lifelong bond" formed by two kids given dream experience to command Regina's RCMP Academy
Janine from Lloydminster was one of the children selected to take part in a two-day experience hosted by the RCMP, including one day in Edmonton and the second in Regina.
The youngsters were allowed to 'fly a drone, and I liked flying the drone,' said Janine, who also experienced 'petting some dogs and crushing a car (with a police truck).'
This is the second year that the RCMP has offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the Kids with Cancer Society based in Edmonton. Tessa from Fort McMurray was also selected, and her favourite activity was also flying the drones.
Only the first names of the girls were shared for their privacy.
Janine described the experience as 'awesome.' For her mom, Laura, it meant a lot to see her daughter welcomed so warmly by the RCMP.
It even brought tears to her eyes, she says.
Janine was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021 but finished treatment two years ago. She's been in good health since, her mom says.
'Between COVID isolation and cancer, she was alone a lot so having this experience where she got to meet another cancer kid is really special for her,' said Laura, who accompanied her daughter over the two days. 'And she got to make some friends and do some cool experiences. I think her and Tessa formed like a lifelong bond.'
The girls were taken for a helicopter ride above Edmonton and then later in the day flew to Regina, where they were fitted with their own Red Serge to join the cadet graduation dinner. On Tuesday, the RCMP held the Sergeant Major's Parade for a change of command and the girls inspected the cadets as co-commanding officers for the day.
'Children who are battling cancer miss so much,' said Madison McElligott, who is the events manager of the Kids with Cancer Society. 'This is our way of trying to give them a day back that they never would have (had).'
The Kids with Cancer Society provides a variety of services to families in northern Alberta. The program also includes 'unique' dream experiences for the children, like the one held with the RCMP.
Laura says it's already something they will never forget, adding that Janine might consider returning to Regina one day as a cadet.
'I'm so proud,' said her mother. 'She says she wants to come back and train.'
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nyking@postmedia.com
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