From liver transplant to special party

First came some presents, then the bubbles. The anticipation on Ben Cass’ face was building with each second of these preliminary activities taking place on the front yard of his Kenmore home July 7.

The 7-year-old liver-transplant recipient knew what was coming next — he wished for it. And then the Make-A-Wish Foundation folks delivered by leading Cass and his friends around to the back yard and inflating a massive “bouncy house” for all to enjoy.

Ben’s parents, Michelle and Roger, wondered with a laugh if the energetic kids would ever exit the colorful purple, yellow and red structure.

“You’ll have to throw a sleeping bag in there,” Roger said.

“It’s amazing, it’s very happy, it’s very joyous. You just really feel like Ben deserves it,” Michelle said of the party. “He knew exactly what his wish would be, and we’ll probably never get him out of there tonight.”

Many of Ben’s family members and friends were on hand during the party. Kenmore Mayor David Baker declared July 7 “Ben Cass Wish Day” and read a city proclamation in front of the crowd. He shook Ben’s hand and offered him a ride in the future in the mayor’s classic car that he drives around town.

Ben was diagnosed with acute liver failure in March 2008 and Roger donated one-third of his liver to Ben in April of that year. Both father and son are doing fine a year later and Ben recently finished kindergarten.

The Reporter followed this story last year; visit Ben Cass for details.

Make-A-Wish’s Julie Lyman served as lead volunteer at Ben’s party and kept things running smooth with the bubble and balloon making, bouncy-house play, face painting and pizza set up. She was clearly caught up in the moment emotionally.

“Being able to give a child the wish that they want, and being able to see the absolute joy on their face — and the joy on their family’s faces … there’s nothing better,” she said.

Ben was hard to keep track of during the party as he ran from one wall of the bouncy house to another and swished down the slide with abandon. When asked about his party, he smiled and tossed a purple ball into the house’s net at someone filming the proceedings.

No quote from the boy of the hour was needed, as that toss spoke volumes of appreciation for all involved.