Syel Qassis wants to become a police officer, and that dream came true on Tuesday.
The ten-year-old was diagnosed with Complex Epilepsy, after he suffered a major seizure in 2015.
Before he was born, an ultrasound revealed he had a cyst on his brain. At three-months-old he underwent surgery to relieve fluid on his brain.
Since then, he’s undergone surgery twice.
His parents, Lisa Wollaston and Feras Qassis, said their child’s diagnosis was tough.
“It’s just been a rough couple of years in and out of hospital,” Mrs Wollaston says.
“He’s handled it remarkably well as has the whole family. Things change when kids get diagnosed with illnesses. We just take it one day at a time, that’s all you can do.”
Syel Qassis' wish was the Starlight's Foundation 10,000th wish granted. Source: SBS World News
He also has autism and experiences learning difficulties.
His dream day meeting with New South Wales Police was organised by the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a national charity which grants wishes for seriously ill children and teenagers.
The foundation granting its 10,000th wish, a major milestone for the not-for-profit organisation.
A special assembly was held at Truscott Street Primary School where 70 of his classmates watched as he received recognition from NSW Police.
He also got to sit behind the wheel of an actual highway patrol vehicle, under the watchful eye of two members of the force.
Syel enjoys dressing up in his police officer outfit, and is an enthusiastic viewer of crime-stopper shows.
“He would really enjoy just going to the Starlight room when he was in hospital, and that was a really big deal for him because he’d get out of bed and play on the games,” Mr Qassis says.
Syel's parents, Lisa Wollaston and Feras Qassis, said their child’s diagnosis was tough. Source: SBS World News
“But this is something he’ll remember forever.”
At ten-years-old, he may be the youngest policeman, but before he suits up and swears to serve, he’ll take part in simulation training by the Australian Federal Police on Saturday.
“He’s really excited to actually get to the wish, but it was fun for everyone to come to the school today,” Mrs Wollaston says.
Next month, he’ll be sworn in by the VIC Police in Melbourne, before being escorted to Bendigo.
He’ll then get to hang out with a highway patrol team, and will get to make an arrest.
Syel says he wants to pull his dad over and give him a ticket.
“I thought he’d let me off if he pulled me over,” Mr Qassis says.
The brave young boy faces the prospect of undergoing more surgery.
“Right now we’re trying some new medication so in two or three months we’ll be back to see how they’re going,” Mr Qassis says.
“This means a lot to him and us as a family and we’re very appreciative of what the Starlight Foundation has done.”
More than a hundred wishes, like Syel’s, need to be granted by Christmas.
