Bear Grylls’ shows “Man vs. Wild” and “Worst Case Scenario” have captivated audiences worldwide and made a particular impact on one little survivor named Cody from New York.
As a sufferer of Hirschsprung’s disease, Cody has undergone over 70 surgeries in ten years along with several blood transfusions. With all that he’s been through, Cody relates well to Bear Grylls’ death-defying survival tactics and ability to bounce back from injuries and other obstacles; he’s one of Bear’s biggest fans and has yet to miss an episode of “Man vs. Wild.” So, when Cody was given the chance to wish for anything he desired, he didn’t hesitate to ask if he could meet his hero.
Kids Wish Network flew Cody and his parents to Los Angeles to meet Bear Grylls and, soon as Bear walked into the room, Cody and he struck up a conversation. According to Cody’s mother, they didn’t stop talking until it was time for Bear to depart.
“Bear was so down to Earth and he definitely inspired Cody,” said Cody’s mother. “I haven’t seen Cody smile like that in a long time.”
While they talked and compared scars, Cody gave the adventurer a hat from his home state of New York, some homemade cookies and a throwing star that he carved especially for Bear. In return, Bear brought a personalized book for Cody that impressed the wide-eyed ten-year-old to no end.
Cody’s mother also brought along a scrapbook of pictures of her son to show Bear Grylls that included pictures of young Cody dressed up like his hero. Bear was so taken by the scrapbook that he asked if he could keep it; Cody happily acquiesced.
It was a memorable wish by any standards and, for Cody and Bear alike, it is sure to be remembered for years to come. As a new member of Kids Wish Network’s “Guardian Angels,” Bear Grylls is certainly a welcome addition.
