McBride boy’s dream becomes a reality through Make-a-Wish
By Andrea Arnold
Over the Easter weekend, five-year-old McBride resident Bowdrie Ryan and his family got to experience a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip from the Make a Wish Foundation. At birth, Ryan was diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus – water on the brain. He needs a shunt to control the fluid buildup in his brain. The shunt works by draining the excess fluid from his brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed. At only six days old he received his first shunt. Since then, Ryan has received three replacement shunts due to failure.
The condition resulted in him not having much physical development on the left side of his brain, preventing use of his right side. Six months after birth, Ryan was also diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy, and when he was two years old, the family received news he was also epileptic.
Ryan’s mom, Meagan, says that now, when doctors look at his scans, and then look at the boy standing in front of them, they are amazed. Through neuroplasticity, he has created connections to his right side that allows him to do what he can.
“He is doing all the things he wasn’t supposed to be able to do,” she said. “This was his first year playing hockey, he’s played three seasons of t-ball, and is starting soccer this year. He didn’t walk until he was two. It is all his doing, his commitment and desire to use his right side.”
She believes that his love for sports and the outdoors has helped push him to achieve all of the milestones he has reached. The accessibility to outdoor activities is one of the reasons the family has stayed in the valley in spite of the need for hours of travel for appointments.
“There is so much for him to do outside therapy walls,” she said.
As Ryan is reaching an age that he is more aware of his diagnoses, his parents wanted to give him an experience that was not medically or therapy related. Meagan said that every trip the family had been on since his birth revolved around appointments. When possible, they would include a fun experience like watching Ryan’s cousin Tanner Molendyk play hockey, but it was never just for fun.
They began the Make a Wish application in August 2024. In order to qualify, the applicant must be between the ages of three and 17, have a critical illness, be high risk, and have never had a wish granted before. Referrals and medical approvals are also a part of the process.
In January, Ryan met via Zoom with a Make a Wish representative. His love for sports was evident through his three choices: run the bases at a Blue Jays game, meet Connor McDavid or go to a football game.
When Ryan decided he wanted to go to Toronto to see the Jays, plans fell into place quickly. Meagan said they were given the dates of their flights and the game but all other details were kept a surprise.
Megan recounted the trip on Facebook to keep friends and family updated. WestJet included a special inflight announcement welcoming Bowdrie, parents Meagan and Colton and sister Harlow, and then Ryan got a post-flight tour of the flight deck (on the way home as well). WestJet partnered with Make a Wish and provided their flights and the executive suite at the game.
Prior to the Jays game, the family was treated to a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Game day started with a new jersey, hat and other swag being delivered to their hotel. A limousine took them to the game where they were escorted to their executive suite.
During the game experience, several things happened that Ryan considered to be his favourite. He said that seeing Ace, the Jay’s mascot, was a highlight. Ace visited the family in their suite, as well as dancing a memorable dance by the dugout. During the visit Ryan received a signed jersey from Bo Bichette and a signed ball from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
He also mentioned the pizza and the spread of other food that was available to them during the epic 12 inning game.
Following the game, he was granted his biggest wish. The family was taken to field level and he pretended to take a warm up swing, went up to bat and then ran the bases. In a video posted on Facebook, his joy is evident as he made his way around to home, with his little sister right behind him. Unfortunately, the meet and greet with players had to be cancelled due to the length of the game, but they received a tour of the dugout and a game ball as well.
Mom Meagan’s wish to give him an experience that was not medically focussed was realized in a way she says she’d have never imagined.
When asked what the best part of the trip was, Ryan responded, “[I] spent some time with my family and my sister.”
