Twelve-year-old Robby from Earl Park, IN was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in May of 2010. After becoming ill on his birthday, he underwent several tests that determined he has a cancerous bone tumor.

Robby’s life-threatening condition required several trips to the hospital for check-ups, treatments and testing. Despite the exhaustion brought on by his medical routine, his inner rural boy always shined through.

“The hospital food smells would make Robby sick,” shared Robby’s mom, Susan. “He took two small jars with him. One was filled with soy beans and one was filled with dirt. He smelled the jars to get over the hospital smells and to stay close to home.”

Robby also loves the smell of fresh cut grass. When visited by his volunteers, Robby shared his heartfelt wish for a riding lawn mower.

When the faculty and students at Robby’s junior-senior high school, Benton Central, heard about his wish they sprang into action. The school raised more than $6,500 to grant Robby’s wish.

This year, Robby’s birthday was a joyous occasion. In an assembly at the end of the school day, his Benton Central classmates and teachers surprised him with a John Deere Zero-Turn 54-inch Deck riding lawn mower.

As a special treat, the school choir sang Rascal Flatts’ "My Wish" when Robby sat down on his new mower, which he later named “Betsy”.

“Thank you so much for the wonderful, perfect day. Thank you for giving Robby something to look forward to and helping him to have a distraction from the evil world of cancer!”

A special thanks to John Deere dealer Castongia's for assisting with Robby’s wish.