Cherry Point family celebrates son’s birthday, life at Disney resort

Photo By Cpl. Unique B. Roberts | David Morse dances with SpongeBob Squarepants during a party sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Havelock N.C., Nov. 2, 2014. The 3-year-old was diagnosed in March with extra-ventricular neurocytoma, a rare form of cancerous brain tumor. Make-A Wish Foundation volunteers ensured David and his family were afforded the opportunity to celebrate his Nov. 10 birthday at Walt Disney World.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

11.14.2014

Story by Cpl. Unique B. Roberts 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Ask any Marine what Nov. 10 means to them and you’re likely to hear a tale of a birth that took place in a Philadelphia tavern in 1775. One Cherry Point family had much more to celebrate this Nov. 10 than the inception of the Marine Corps.

“We treat every moment like it’s going to be the last moment because no one knows,” said Cpl. Devon Morse, whose 3-year-old son, David, spent his birthday with his family at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

David, who shares his birthday with the Corps, was diagnosed with extra-ventricular neurocytoma, a rare form of cancerous brain tumor, in March. The rambunctious toddler with an infectious smile has since endured radiation therapy and two brain surgeries.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation held a party for David at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Havelock, N.C., Nov. 2, to grant his wish and ensure he and his family got to spend the week at Walt Disney World.

“We have worked with military families in the past from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and our experience is that military families are by far the most positive, enthusiastic, full of life and just plain fun Wish Families to work with,” said Nancy Ray, a volunteer with the foundation.

“The family has an amazingly upbeat attitude,” said Ray. "They interact with each other with love and respect and – though there are tears sometimes – they smile and laugh and are determined to make the most out of every healthy minute they have. They hold each other up and keep each other strong.”

Devon, who was also recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, was excited to see his son’s wish come true.

“We are excited to share this moment with David as we continue to be there for each other,” said Devon. “Everything is going to be okay.”

• Date Taken: 11.14.2014
• Date Posted: 11.14.2014 17:00
• Story ID: 147933
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US