Lucas Moreland, 10, of Doniphan, would probably say that had he been given a choice, the thing he would have most wished for in life is not to have been born with a rare disease, Megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP).
But, having MCAP did not keep Lucas from his dream of one day visiting the Grand Canyon with his family. And, thanks to The Dream Factory, Inc., that wish has come true.
Staffed by a dedicated team, all volunteers, The Dream Factory doesn’t limit its mission to children who have life-threatening illnesses.
Rather, the organization was built on the understanding that children with chronic illnesses and disorders also suffer from substantial emotional and physical pain.
Therefore, The Dream Factory is motivated by a single mission: to grant the wishes of children age three through 18 who are critically or chronically ill. Eligibility for the grants is determined by documentation and affirmation by a treating physician.
Lucas is thought to be one of 500 people in the world who have MCAP, which is characterized by overgrowth of tissues in the body.
MCAP’s primary features are a large brain and the malformation of small capillaries of the skin.
Because the brain does not develop normally,there is a level of intellectual
disability present in most affected individuals, as well as a host of other
neurological and developmental problems.
The process for diagnosing MCAP involves genetic testing. However, the only genetic test available at the time Lucas was born was done in Seattle, Wash., and required a skin punch biopsy.
“We were sent to Washington University Saint Louis Childrens’ Hospital. His geneticist, Dr. Dorothy K. Grange, was pretty sure of the diagnosis after examining Lucas, who was then six months old,” says his mother, Stephanie Moreland.
Because the genetic mutation occurs in the same protein as some cancer mutations, Dr. Grange, worked with the staff at Washington University
to develop a test using Lucas’ DNA, blood and saliva.
“After successfully designing the genetic test and then testing Lucas,
his diagnosis was confirmed,” says Stephanie.
The development of the test, Lucas’ results and information about his
disorder were published in several medical journals, and a photo of Dr.
Grange and Lucas are still posted on the marquee at Washington University
Genetics.
The story was also featured on KFVS channel 12 and in The Prospect-
News.
Fast-forward 10 years and The Dream Factory chapter in Southeast Missouri
made the decision to grant Lucas’ wish.
The SEMO chapter attempts to grant wishes to three children each year
with gifts that average about $5,000 each, and are paid for through local
fund raising and donation activities.
The Dream Factory paid all expenses, and planned the vacation in such a way that Lucas could realize his dream in the safest manner possible.
During their vacation the Morelands, Stephanie and Jason, and Lucas’ sister
Alivia all visited Legoland and SeaWorld and spent two nights at the Great Wolf Lodge.
They explored Box Canyon on a 33-mile ATV ride.
“That was awesome! I’ve never had that much fun riding four-wheelers,”
said Lucas.
He also enjoyed water slides, an indoor rock climbing wall, and “glamping,”
(camping without the usual discomforts).
The Grand Canyon was everything Lucas had hoped for and more.
“The view was breathtaking. It was so much bigger and much more expansive than any of us realized! Luke sat, took in the view, and said, ‘Wow.’
“Our guide, Jerry, was a Navajo and he was funny and so sincere about the history of the Grand Canyon and the Navajo people,” says Stephanie.
The hike included a surprise picnic lunch, and on the ride back the family
encountered a huge bull elk on the side of the road.
“Jerry gave Luke a handmade Navajo wallet to take home with him,” says Stephanie.
What made the trip the most memorable was the kindness shown by everyone.
“It brought tears to my eyes and happiness welled in my heart for Lucas.
“We had an absolutely wonderful, unforgettable trip. Lucas made memories
to last a lifetime and we are just so grateful that SEMO Dream Factory
made this possible for him,” says Stephanie.