A Nova Scotia boy who captured hearts last summer with a wish to meet his great-grandmother has died.
Leeland Hill, 9, had been diagnosed with focal pontine/mid-brain high-grade glioma, a terminal brain condition. He wanted to meet Betty Thorne, 90, and the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada made it happen in July, when Leeland travelled with his family from Dartmouth to throw a “pretty party” for his “Great Granny” at Admiral’s Coast Retirement Centre in Kelligrews, N.L.
The Nova Scotia chapter of the foundation announced on its Facebook page that Leeland died Saturday.
"Our hearts and our deepest condolences go out to the Hill family," reads the post.
"Leeland’s selfless wish impacted so many people, and we are grateful to have had him as part of the Children’s Wish family."
Leeland and Thorne embraced when they met, then sat side-by-side while they were greeted by party-goers, many of whom brought gifts. Leeland said he felt excited and happy to finally meet his Great Granny. Thorne smiled and said she felt overwhelmed.
“I couldn’t get over it because there are so many things he could wish for,” she said.
Family and friends gathered at a reception room decorated with balloons and flowers. There was live music, dancing, and plenty of food.
The Children's Wish Foundation said Leeland and his family got an RCMP escort across the island when they visited.
"Leeland was larger than life and always put others first," says the post.
"Leeland’s memory will live on through all the lives he touched."
