I wish to go to Sesame Street

Leroy is a cheerful little boy who loves Sesame Street. He marvels at the colourful world and finds comfort and happiness with his favorite characters: Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Grover. Seeing them on-screen makes him laugh out loud, and he never gets tired of their songs and adventures. 

However, his life began under difficult circumstances. Born two months prematurely, Leroy received several serious diagnoses in his first weeks of life, including a severe respiratory disease. Doctors told his parents that he would need multiple surgeries to survive. At a very young age, he underwent five major surgeries, including tumor removal, trachea repair, and skull reconstruction.
 

These trials have turned the whole family upside down. His mother, Rachel, had to give up her career to become a full-time caregiver, constantly on the verge of mental exhaustion. Every outing, every activity requires meticulous preparation, and they often have to give up because the logistics are too complicated. They have missed out on many things, but they cling to each other and still find moments of happiness together. Their journey has also been marked by two moments of unbearable intensity. “There were two times we thought we had lost him. It was unbearable. I was furious and inconsolable. Tears flowed until our bodies were depleted. Unable to eat, sleep, or breathe.” 

During their challenging daily life, Leroy held onto a wish of his own: to visit the Sesame Street film set. He wanted to immerse himself in the joyful world and meet his heroes – Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Grover. Just thinking about it made his eyes light up with excitement. When his wish finally came true, the emotion was overwhelming. Every encounter with his characters, every laugh at the attractions, and every moment of friendship represented a victory over illness. 

“Leroy had the chance to meet all his favorite Sesame Street characters on the famous steps of the show’s real set. They all sang for him. I can guarantee you that tears were flowing freely. Seeing the joy on our son’s face, discovering how easily he could adapt to new situations, and witnessing the kindness and generosity of people… These are memories we will cherish forever,” say his parents Rachel and James.