Five-Year Old Dighton Boy Meets Bone Marrow Donor in Florida

A touching moment this past Sunday as a young Dighton boy met his savior down in Florida.

Five-year-old Grant Medeiros, who has been deemed Dighton's Fire Department Honorary Firefighter, was given a second chance at life in Boca Raton.

Medeiros met his bone marrow donor Graeme Ossey, age 31, during the Gift of Life Marrow Registry’s Steps for Life 5K Run/Walk South Florida at Florida Atlantic University.

"What a fantastic moment for Grant and his family," Dighton Fire Chief Christopher Maguy said. "We are thrilled that he was able to meet his donor and is doing really well. Grant is a member of our department and everyone here has been following his progress closely."

Medeiros suffers from leukemia and has already undergone multiple surgeries and a bone marrow transplant. As a young boy, he spent numerous hours under the care of Boston's Children's hospital where he has been battling his illness.

On the brighter side, the family was able to raise $2,000 to help benefit Medeiros and his medical bills.

"It's so amazing to watch this little boy be so brave in the face of such a serious illness," Chief Maguy said. "I think everyone can learn a little something from Grant and his family about how they have faced his health issues head-on and managed to keep a positive attitude throughout. We can't wait for Grant's next visit to the station."

The motto for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry is "It all begins with one remarkable person, one life-changing swab and one huge win — finding a match and a cure." And that's exactly how Ossey expressed his decision as he gave Medeiros a gift he'll never forget: life.