"The Last Wish of a Terminally Ill Child: 'I Want to See Monsters'... Monsters Gather 'Ururu'"

Diagnosed with a brain tumor causing central nervous system damage at 10 months old and treated
Condition worsened to the point of tube insertion in the bronchus for breathing
Strange figures like witches, werewolves, ghosts, and skeletons appear as monsters for the child

A child living with a terminal illness expressed a final wish to "see a monster," and many people gathered to fulfill this. The photo is unrelated to the specific content of the article. Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] More than a thousand strangers dressed as monsters appeared in front of the house to fulfill the wish of a five-year-old Canadian boy living with terminal cancer, creating a heartwarming scene.

According to CTV on the 28th (local time), Alexandros (nicknamed Alex) Hordakis, who lives in Hamilton near Toronto, Ontario, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at birth, which worsened, and earlier this month he received a terminal diagnosis that further treatment was impossible.

Alex was diagnosed with ependymoma, a brain tumor that damages the central nervous system, at 10 months old and had been receiving treatment. Recently, the treatment showed no effect, and his condition worsened to the point where a tube was inserted into his bronchus to help him breathe. Medical staff said he might only have weeks or even days left.

In an interview with CTV, Alex’s mother, Kira Hordakis, said, "The first two years were very difficult because we frequently went back and forth to the hospital," adding, "The child is getting worse little by little every day."

Then, on the 11th, Alex told Paula Chuanakis Anderson, a family friend visiting him in the hospital, that his last wish was to "see monsters."

Alex’s family used to occasionally take him to the Niagara amusement park’s "Haunted House" to play. However, Alex’s body had become too weak to visit the "Haunted House" again with his family.

Hearing this, Anderson came up with a good idea: "Let’s bring the monsters to the child instead."

She soon posted the story on Facebook, asking neighbors to dress as monsters and visit Alex’s house. The request was for a Halloween-like parade to gather on the street in front of the house two days later.

Anderson said, "About 350 people initially showed interest," and "I thought maybe 100 to 150 people would actually show up in front of the house."

Contrary to expectations, about a thousand people gathered on the day, filling the street in front of Alex’s house. Strangers dressed as witches, wizards, werewolves, ghosts, skeletons, and various other costumes appeared as monsters for Alex.

Alex and his parents came outside and were speechless with joy and surprise upon seeing them. Alex moved through the crowd, giving high fives and taking pictures repeatedly.

Alex’s mother Kira said, "He looked so happy. This will be a memory that stays in our hearts forever." She added, "Since that day, Alex gains great energy every day by looking at the photos and videos from that day," and "We pray that he can be with us this coming Halloween."