Cooking with Connor: Granting the wish of a boy with Pearson syndrome
Okay, I admit: I cooked with Connor over a year ago, so the footage from this episode is nothing new. But we were waiting on the embedded video, and then I was waiting on the edit from my hubs/director/producer/sound engineer/UX marketing manager at Home Depot’s blinds.com. (Yes, he is a John of all trades.)This fell to the wayside, and I got nervous releasing Episode 6: Cooking with Connor so late—what if his condition has changed dramatically since our cooking date?John gets updates on Connor from time to time, as he’s friends with the extended family. But Connor, where are you now? How are you doing? Your video won me over, and now that I’ve shared your special self with the world, I’m sure everyone else is wondering, too.And let’s not forget about Connor’s older brother, Ian. What a trooper. It’s not easy being the sibling of a child who takes up most of their parents' attention. But Ian, too, was sweet and bright. I loved being near the two and hearing big brother help little brother with the cookie dough.
Ian and Connor, you both have cuddly spots in my heart.
After we baked the cookies, we sat down to lunch together. Connor's dad told me that Connor used to be very finicky with food, but after watching me on "MasterChef," he became more interested in eating and cooking, to the point where he'll judge every bite he tastes. How blessed and serendipitous to learn something as trivial as a TV show has the power to help a family.Thanks to Novate Production for the embedded video and Straits Restaurant for hosting our cooking date. Most of all, thank you to Connor’s family, both immediate and extended, for making this beautiful day come true, and not only granting Connor’s wish, but mine, too. Every time I wear that Brailled T-shirt you'd made me, I will think of you.What’d you think of Connor and his family? Did that video melt your heart too? DO you know anyone with Pearson syndrome or mitochondrial disease? How is he/she doing?
- Find out how you can support Connor’s cause through the Connor McArthur Research Fund.
- Visit his website to see how Connor’s doing.
- Learn more about Pearson syndrome and other similar conditions at the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.