Derek Lin isn't your average 12-year-old. The Vancouver resident was diagnosed in 2010 with a germ cell brain tumour and has undergone three separate surgeries, plus chemotherapy and radiation.
But that hasn't stopped him from being a superstar in the classroom, where he speaks three languages and excels at math and science.
On Monday, Derek received a special treat, as he toured Electronic Arts as part of his Make-A-Wish request.
After seeing comedian Rick Mercer tour the Burnaby campus of Electronic Arts in 2009 for his television show, Derek knew immediately that's what he wanted for his wish.
Derek's wish to try out the EA capture studio included having an avatar made of him and a guided tour of Electronic Arts to see how video games are made.
This is the first time that EA has ever granted a child's wish in the EA motion capture studio.
What Derek didn't know was that Mercer was sending a special video message to Derek welcoming him to the studio.
Lin's mother Kelly said her son was overthe-moon excited about the trip.
"He's really looking forward to it," she told the Burnaby NOW prior to the visit. "He only thinks he's going to get the tour, so he'll be so excited to see the video."
Kelly, along with husband Frank, accompanied Derek, as did Derek's sister Daisy and cousin Jack.
Since 1983, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon has made more than 1,400 wishes come true for kids battling a life-threatening medical condition.
Each wish provides a child and their immediate family a carefree and joyful experience that is far from the stress and anxiety of having a life-threatening medical condition.
For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon, including how you can help refer a child for a wish, participate in the Adopt-A-Wish program, or donate in-kind gifts of goods or services, please call toll-free 1-866-277-9474 or visit www.makeawishbc.ca.
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