By Pamela Mcloughlin Register Staff
WEST HAVEN -- A year ago, Alex Criscio, 4, was a very sick little boy who underwent surgery, then chemotherapy, to treat a tumor on his left kidney.
On Sunday, Alex, decked out in a T-shirt that declared him "Prince Charming," was romping with his sister, "Princess" Avery, 2, and tossing bowling balls down the lanes of Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling.
It was a pizza/bowling party attended by 50 relatives and friends as a sendoff for a trip to Disney World in Florida made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Connecticut Chapter.
The organization grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, and although Alex's prognosis is good, he's getting his wish: to see where Mickey Mouse lives.
Clip on charms"We're very excited," his mom, Marisa Criscio said of the one week trip the family will take next month. "We're so grateful -- we wouldn't have been able to do it," on our own.
Alex's wish-granters, Joe Belbusti -- who helps organize about 12 wishes a year, and his volunteer partner, Patty Mann of New Haven, say their volunteer roles are fulfilling.
"It's just nice to let the kid be a kid," Belbusti said. "Besides the illness, they get cheated," with time missed from playing and being carefree like a kid should be.
Mann, a cancer survivor of 22 years, got involved with the organization when she was looking to volunteer somewhere. Her cancer no doubt influenced her choice, she said. Even though people go about their business during many cancer treatments, replica hublot watches it's draining and tiring, she said.
Marisa Criscio and her husband, Jason Criscio, who works for the state judicial system, said their son's illness brought the darkest days they've ever seen.
Marisa Criscio said she felt like her life was falling apart, but at the same time, she had to keep a cheerful face for the kids.
Jason Criscio said, "It was the most devastating thing I've ever heard," referring to his young son's cancer diagnosis.
But happy days are here again.
"I can't wait to see him excited," Jason Criscio said of Alex.
The party space and bowling was donated by bowling alley owner Bob Nugent, who regularly supports such good causes, he said, because Thomas sabo charms the equipment is always there, so it doesn't cost him anything. Nugent said he loves to see people happy.
"It's something I can do, and I think everyone should do what they can do," Nugent said.
The pizza was donated by Marco's Pizza in Branford.
Contact Pamela McLoughlin at .
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