Five-year-old Caspian Primeau learned he would visit Walt Disney World with his family during a wish reveal at McMahon Stadium on Thursday.
About 200 people attending the fourth annual Pull for Wishes watched the moment their fundraising helped make the cancer survivor’s dream come true.
Caspian, whose wish to visit Walt Disney World with his family was revealed at McMahon Stadium earlier this week, gave his family and about 200 people attending the fourth annual Pull for Wishes a chance to see the impact fundraisers can make.
The event brought together teams of up to 16 people competing in strength and teamwork to pull full-size frac pumps in support of Make-A-Wish Canada.
Caspian’s father, Chris Primeau, said he was overjoyed and thankful to Make-A-Wish for supporting his family.
“Wow, who does this for someone? It’s so amazing,” said Primeau. “It’s taken us years to have kids; we had to go through IVF, it’s a long process, and to have our little boy diagnosed was just heartbreaking.”
A wish after a difficult year
In fall of 2024, at the age of three, Caspian was diagnosed with stage-one kidney cancer after doctors found a tumour in the middle of his kidney.
After two weeks, Caspian underwent surgery to have his kidney removed, followed by chemotherapy sessions every two weeks.
“That was the darkest, toughest time our family’s ever faced,” said Primeau.
Make-A-Wish reached out to Caspian’s family while he was still in the hospital and sent presents to him and his family.
“It’s been a really tough journey, but we’re just so thankful that we have our boy and he’s got a clean bill of health today, and the best doctors and best supporters we could ever dream of,” said Primeau.
After nine months of chemotherapy, Caspian is now clear of cancer and continues to have regular checkups every three months.
Primeau said seeing Caspian’s wish come true showed his family what community support can mean in times of need.
“Every little step is helping families and kids not just recover, not just make their dreams come true but really give them this amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s just amazing to see what happens when a community comes together,” said Primeau.
Love making kids smile
Jennifer Geggie, Chair of the Southern Alberta Chapter for Make-A-Wish, said the best part of her job is bringing joy and supporting families and children.
“I love making kids smile. It’s the best part of my job with Make-A-Wish. It’s just bringing joy to kids who are going through illness and families that really need something to look forward to,” said Geggie.
Pulling together for wish families
For Simona Lupas, director of community partnerships for Western Canada at Make-A-Wish Canada, seeing Calgary organizations and community members rally around wish families is one of the most meaningful parts of the event.
“There’s something really special about seeing these teams come together, put their strength to the test, and support one another for a cause that’s bigger than themselves,” Lupas said. “The energy, camaraderie and generosity are incredible.”
Teams were tasked with pulling a frac pump down a designated track as quickly as possible. But speed wasn’t the only goal.
Each team had to raise at least $10,000 to participate, and the event aimed to raise $250,000 this year.
Pull for Wishes has grown into an annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish in Calgary. Last year’s event raised more than $200,000, bringing the total raised during its first three years to nearly $550,000.
The money helps Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses.
This year, the event helped raise over $300,000.
“Every team that participates and every dollar raised helps Make-A-Wish Canada create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, including right here in Alberta,” Lupas said.
More children waiting for wishes
According to Lupas, more than 400 children across Alberta are currently waiting for their wishes.
“It’s about making sure that more children and families get to experience the hope, joy and strength that a wish can bring when they need it most.”
This year’s event also included a wish reveal, giving participants a chance to see the impact of their fundraising firsthand.
“It’s the moment when all the fundraising, the hard work and the incredible generosity of these teams become something very real,” Lupas said.
While teams came to McMahon Stadium to compete, Lupas said the event is ultimately about supporting children and families facing critical illnesses.
She hopes participants leave understanding that there are many ways they can help grant wishes.
“Whether you’re pulling a frac pump, fundraising with your colleagues, sponsoring the event or simply sharing a story, you’re helping make even more wishes come true,” Lupas said.
Make-A-Wish Canada accepts donations and volunteers to help children and families with critical illnesses.
