One of Brantleigh Holzman’s dreams came true on Sunday, April 23, as first responders from Clark County Fire District 3 and people from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, provided the 6-year-old with a ride in a fire engine through Battle Ground.
Brantleigh, who is 6 years old, has already had three open heart surgeries. He has dealt with a stroke and other medical challenges, according to his family members. Despite his everyday battles, Brantleigh remains positive and energetic.
The wish reveal party for Brantleigh was just the beginning. He has also been provided with a trip to Disneyland.
Being able to spend time with firefighters and getting a ride on a fire engine may be hard to beat, but his mother, Alexandra Holzman, said she most looks forward to “the look on his face when he gets to meet Lightning McQueen and all of his favorite characters” at Disneyland.
On Sunday, to the surprise of Brantleigh, Clark County Fire District 3 brought two fire engines and two of their pickup trucks to his grandparents’ house to pick him up as his family members watched on.
Brantleigh, who was in awe of the fire engines and the firefighters, was loaded into the fire district’s ladder engine, Tower 35, and taken on a scenic route to Rocky’s Pizza for the wish reveal party.
“He likes anything that has to do with fire, police, airplanes, wheels, any vehicle that makes loud noises,” said Dylan Holzman, Brantleigh’s dad.
Upon his arrival to Rocky’s Pizza, Brantleigh moved up to the driver’s seat, where he blasted the horn and sirens, bringing a large smile to his face as other family members greeted him at the restaurant.
Brantleigh’s wish was granted three years ago, but the pandemic and complications with his heart defects delayed the process. Make-A-Wish volunteers Chris Ackman and Dannell Hooper worked closely with Brantleigh and his family to ensure his wish came true. Brantleigh will travel to Disneyland in May with his mom, dad, little sister and six grandparents.
Brantleigh was born with congenital heart disease, otherwise known as problems or defects with the heart’s development before birth. He has only one valve in his heart and faces challenges with his lungs as well. His heart defects are rare, which has caused some medical struggles, but doctors have been able to get the one valve to work on double duty.
Brantleigh’s heart is currently doing well, but he is homeschooled because of a recommendation by his doctor. His parents said he may need a heart transplant in the future.
Alexandra and Dylan Holzman also have a 2-year-old daughter, Blake. When Brantleigh found out he was going to be an older brother, his parents said he was filled with joy. The two have since become best pals.
