Fort Worth first responders gathered at the Alliance Airport on March 4 to welcome terminally ill 6-year-old Rylan Pruitt as he returned from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
As stated in a previous report by The Dallas Express, the 6-year-old was diagnosed with a brain cancer called medulloblastoma in May 2021. He was sworn in as an honorary Fort Worth Police Officer earlier in the year.
According to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Rylan was flown to the children’s hospital in Memphis on March 1 for a further scan of his body. Unfortunately, the scan showed the cancer had spread through his brain and spine, and doctors estimate that Rylan has just a few months left to live.
Upon hearing the news, the Fort Worth Police Department organized a welcome party at the Alliance Airport for Rylan’s arrival.
Several police vehicles and horses, along with a Fort Worth Fire Department truck, awaited him as he exited the plane. Spider-Man was also present to welcome the 6-year-old home.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said Rylan — who prefers to be called “Officer Beans” — is not just an honorary police officer, but a part of the Fort Worth first responder family.
“Once you’re part of this family, you’re always part of this family, and we will always stand with you,” Noakes said.
Rylan’s father, Mike Pruitt, thanked Fort Worth Police for all of the special moments they had orchestrated for his son.
“We got news that no parent ever wants to get, but in the end, we know that the cancer never wins, and he wins this fight no matter the outcome,” Mike said.
Rylan’s family has set up a GoFundMe page where well-wishers can donate to help make the remainder of “Officer Beans’” time on Earth special.
“Rylan wants to go to the beach, and he wants to swim with the dolphins,” the page states. All money raised “will go directly to ensuring Rylan gets to do the things he wants to do and see the places he wants to see.”
As of March 9, the fundraiser has surpassed its original goal of $30,000 to collect $33,927, and the new target is $50,000.