*PHOTOS* Stow Fire Department Hosts Make-A-Wish Celebration for Stow Boy

STOW – Brayden Ginthwain had just finished his favorite dinner, pizza, in his new favorite place, Stow Fire Headquarters, when the tones of a box alarm sounded.

The call: A structure fire at the Department of Public Works. The Fire Department’s newest member, on the job only for about an hour, pulled on his gear with adult help, hopped into Engine 12 and joined the response.

Brayden, 4, visited Stow Fire Headquarters on Friday, Sept. 22, on a surprise trip coordinated by Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, its volunteers, and the Department.

Brayden lives with a rare life-threatening immune disorder called Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, leaving him more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. He received a life-saving stem cell transplant at about 18 months and has undergone several stem cell infusions since.

His parents, Angela and Erik Ginthwain of Stow, say Brayden’s courage and personality have helped the family cope with the challenges that accompany his illness.

“With him being susceptible to disease and infection, with COVID and the pandemic, it was a lot for us,” Erik Ginthwain said. “To participate in something like this really goes a long way.”

He was greeted by Department members including Capt. Barry Evers, who led the coordination with Make-A-Wish volunteers. Capt. Evers presented Brayden with an official Department shirt and hat.

Brayden toured the station, climbed on the apparatus, and took a turn behind the wheel of an engine. Firefighter Cameron Herlihy instructed Brayden on how to use a fire hose and coordinate with other first responders.

“You’re a natural!” Firefighter Herlihy told Brayden.

Marshall, the Dalmatian of “Paw Patrol” fame stopped by to give Brayden a hug.

Brayden, his parents, his sister Avery, 2, other family members, and firefighters then took their dinner break.

The visit was coordinated by Maureen Beaulac of Boston and Joan Miller of Acton, who have made wishes come true for nearly 60 years combined as volunteers with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Department’s efforts serve as a kickoff for Brayden’s wish, a future visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The celebration was part of the Heroes For Hope campaign, through which Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island engages local first responders to help raise awareness and support for its mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.

“The main thing is, he gets to be a kid,” Capt. Evers said. “He doesn’t have to worry about anything.”

“Our mission is about giving children back their childhoods and making them feel celebrated,” said Sean Holleran, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO. “This wish send-off did just that for Brayden, and it gave him and his family the chance to set his illness aside and be together in pure joy. The efforts of the Stow Fire Department and the volunteers who put this together show that there are endless ways to support our mission and transform the lives of wish children.”

When the alarm sounded, Brayden and other firefighters responded quickly. Engine 12, supported by Engine 14, and Tanker 11, rolled down Old Stow Road to the DPW. They quickly discovered the “structure” – a flat wood replica of a two-story home – had “flames” showing from the windows.

Brayden poured water on the building until the fire was out with support from Firefighter Herlihy and Lt. Erick Benoit.

His family and firefighters cheered. Brayden high-fived his new friends.

(Media interested in obtaining video of this event are asked to contact Heather Davidson, Senior Manager, Communications, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island at hdavidson@massri.wish.org.)