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Cornell Teenager Battles Leukemia, Wishes For Two Dairy Cows Save Email Print
Posted: 3:56 PM Jul 2, 2008
Last Updated: 9:21 PM Jul 2, 2008
Reporter: Heidi Bohl
Email Address: heidi.bohl@weau.com

A | A | A

When you think of Make A Wish programs, images of dream vacations or a chest full of new toys may come to mind.

But a Cornell teenager, who's battling leukemia, wished for a something that requires a lot more work.

15-year-old Dylan Crabb has always wanted to become a dairy farmer.

So when the Children's Wish Foundation asked him what he wanted, he surprised everyone by deciding to wish for two dairy cows.

It was a wish that surprised even his own family.

Lori Crabb says, "I asked him over and over, Dylan, are you sure? Mom, I'm absolutely sure."

And it finally came true.

Moon and Star are two black-and-white beauties, helping make Dylan Crabb's dream of owning a dairy farm a reality.

Dylan Crabb says, "I just wanted them because when my mom was younger she had a herd of cattle when she was 14."

And, he says his love of farming doesn't make it seem like work at all.

Dylan Crabb says, "It's what I want to do and it's fun for me, so I just get out there and it's not like it's hard work that I dread or nothing."

Dylan says he knows he could have wished for pretty much anything he wanted.

But says he's happy knowing this gift will keep giving back.

Dylan Crabb says, "I figured I could make a wish and go on a trip or something like that. But, that's a one time deal. I get these cows, that's money, that's constant money all the time. And you can go on as many trips as you want."

He says a lot of people have helped him along the way, but says he couldn't have done this without his stepfather Bruce.

Dylan Crabb says, "He showed me pretty much everything I know how to do. So I kind of owe it to him on everything."

Dylan's mom, Lori, says the last couple of years have been hard, and adds that she's amazed this wish finally came true for him.

Lori Crabb says, "I sat in the barn last night and looked around and thought this has really happened, he's really milking cows. His dream has come true. He brought the farm to life."

Lori says Dylan found out he had leukemia about a year and a half ago.

She says he was cancer free for awhile, but did relapse a few months ago and is waiting to have his second bone marrow transplant.

She says it'll be risky, but adds Dylan’s a tough kid.

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Posted by: Emilio & Blythe Location: Eau Claire on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:54 PM
"Cows for Dylan" update! On July 4, we purchased 2, two-year old Ayrshire heifers for Dylan that will freshen within 60 days. The gentleman that we bought the heifers from is Darrell Leffel from Stratford, WI. Mr. Leffel also gave Dylan 3 young bulls. Now we have great start and an article will appear in the Country Today newspaper. Remember the fund we are starting at RCU, you may send a donation to any RCU office and the money will go for cows, feed, vet expenses and other equipment they may need. The Crabb farm is approved "grade A." Pasturing should not be a problem. This is a great opportunity for folks in our area to help make this deserving young man's dreams come true!! Any ideas to help with the project? Let us know... Please post and/or call Emilio at 715-828.1445

Posted by: Dawn Location: Mondovi on Jul 4, 2008 at 05:57 PM
It's great to know there are still young people out there with a love of animals and the farm life. The world would be a better place with more farm kids and 4-H and FFA. I'm a Jersey person myself and if I was still farming, I would have loved to have given Dylan a little Jersey heifer. P. S.: How is Dylan going to feed a herd of 20 cows? Does his farm have their own hay and corn, or is there a special fundraiser to pay for this until he is making more milk money? Let us know if there is a place to donate hay, feed, or money to purchase feed and money for vet bills. I'm wishing Dylan, his family, and his cows a great and healthy future.

Posted by: melissa Location: baraboo, wi on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:55 AM
wow this kid is amazing!! im very happy for him that his wish came true. his family is in my family's thoughts and prayers. good luck on everything and enjoy those cows!!! :)

Posted by: Emilio & Blythe Location: Eau Claire on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:07 AM
We think that Dylan is a sharp young man for for having the foresight to choose a gift that continues to produce. Because of this, we starting 'Cows for Dylan." Stay tuned for more information about this special fund at RCU. We are initiating the fund after speaking Dylan's mom, Lori. We are purchasing one holstein milk cow to get this started. Anyone out there who has a cow or young calf that that they would like to give, Dylan? Our goal for Dylan is a heard of 20 milk cows. LET'S DO IT!! Questions, call Emilio at 828.1445.

Posted by: Cornell Community Member Location: Cornell, WI on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I am so glad to see that Dylan finally has his cows. With all that this family has been through, I am so glad to see them smile. We are thinking of you! Stay Strong!!

Posted by: friend Location: cornell on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM
dylan and family you are all amazing people!

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