(Source: Corning Observer)trackingBy Julie R. Johnson, Corning Observer, Calif.
Aug. 11–With arms outstretched, a look of apprehension on their faces, the two boys received a Native American blessing as a silenced crowd of at least 50 people watched.
“Indian Pete” Vandekoolwyk kneeled in front of 6-year-old Malachi Villalba, 6, and Landon Touvell, 7, using ritual smoke as he quietly chanted in a language few, if any, could comprehend.
He then stood and with arms stretched to the sky called upon the Great Spirit to care for and bless the boys, each suffering from potentially life-threatening ailments.
Not your average Saturday morning in the parking lot of Petro’s Truck Stop in Corning.
Petro’s was the starting point of a convoy consisting of police cars, motorcycles, a fire engine, several Walmart big rigs and most importantly, Touvell and Villalba.
Touvell, the son of Titus and Christina Touvell, is fighting leukemia, and Villalba, the son of Marcos and Alicia Villalba, who has undergone six surgeries due to a congenital heart defect, were the recipients of the Walmart Heart truck drivers program, which strives to fulfill the wishes of chronically ill children all over the country. Currently the program includes more than 100 drivers who have reached out to thousands of individuals.
Vandekoolwyk’s blessing was just one of many events that on Saturday brought some extra happiness and smiles to Landon and Villalba.
To the surprise of both boys, the day started with them being picked up — Landon from his Capay home on a wolf and bear skin-covered motorcycle driven by “Indian Dave” Woodcock, and Villalba from his home in Corning on a Corning fire engine driven by volunteer firefighter Dave Demo.
“We have been talking about today for a month,” said Alicia Villalba. “But it was a real surprise to him to be picked up right there are home.”
Landon, a little overwhelmed by all he attention, said the experience was “cool.”
“He isn’t feeling very well today because of his chemotherapy treatments,” said Christine Touvell. “Landon thought we were just going to a fundraiser, but this is all so unbelievable. Everyone involved has made us feel so honored.”
Roxanne Maddox, Walmart driver coordinator, said, “People don’t realize all the good that the Walmart drivers do.”
After the Indian blessing, Touvell got back on the motorcycle and Villalba in the fire engine and the convoy traveled to the Walmart Distribution Center on Highway 99W.
“I wouldn’t have missed this,” said leader-of-the-pack, Corning police Officer James Dodge, driving a patrol vehicle with emergency lights flashing.
In between were a dozen Missing In America Project motorcycles and drivers, right in the middle the Corning fire engine, followed by Walmart trucks, vehicles filled with family and friends, and bringing up the rear was a police vehicle driven by Corning police Chief Tony Cardenas.
Riding in one of the family vehicles was Touvell’s grandfather, Tim Osborn, a retired sergeant with the Corning Police Department.
A barbecue fundraiser was held at the distribution center to help the two families with the financial burdens that come with fighting their sons’ illnesses. Each family received a check for $500, and additional funds from Missing in America and other groups.
“All of the meat was donated by one of the Walmart drivers,” Maddox said. “He doesn’t want to share his name because it isn’t about him, it’s about he boys and their families.”
The boys also took a ride to the Walmart store in Red Bluff, and received gifts and toys finishing off a day they will never forget.
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