The Tribune

A TEENAGE American with a rare life-threatening brain condition has had his dreams come true with a trip to the Bahamas. Noah Beckford, 15, saw an advertisement for Atlantis Paradise Beach on television at home in Minnesota and thanks to Make A Wish foundation has enjoyed the trip of a lifetime.

Noah has a large brain tumour on his brain stem. The tumour cannot be removed and he has undergone four brain surgeries over the past two years simply to survive with the condition.

“When I saw it (TV commercial) I said ‘that looks like so much fun’. I thought my family would enjoy it as well. So far we have been on the water slides, swimming with dolphins, driving jet skis. It was so fun I would like to come back on my 18th birthday.”

His mother, Jenny Beckford, spoke about how the foundation made her son’s wish come true. “His brain surgeon sent in a recommendation to Make A Wish foundation. They asked him what he wanted to do. He could have done anything in the whole wide world. He could’ve met with celebrities like Oprah or Michael Jordan and he chose to come to the Bahamas.

“He wanted to come here to enjoy the beach and the water, fishing and the hotels and it’s been wonderful. I think he made the best choice ever.”

Noah and his family were treated to a massage by Cabbage Beach Massage as well as a stay at Atlantis Paradise Island. “It was an honour to grant this young man’s wish, and I hope they return,” said Colyn Rolle, owner of Cabbage Beach Massage.