Like any kid, David Dakake loves his birthday. But Halloween is a close second.
There's the costume. The trick-or-treating. The candy. The 12-year-old loves all of it.
“After it’s over, he’s already planning next year’s costume,” David’s mom, Leann, says. “And usually, it’s Batman.”
That’s why David was devastated at the thought of missing out this year. For two weeks, he’s been in the hospital. Born at 24 weeks gestation in a remote area of Latvia, David has cerebral palsy and is deaf. He came to the United States as a toddler and was adopted into a large, loving family. But his special needs at times require extra medical attention. Though communicating is challenging for David, it was obvious he was heartbroken.
On the afternoon of Halloween, his mom had an idea. The family had just moved into the Seven Hills neighborhood in Paulding County, and Leann Dakake had hardly unpacked. But she wondered if just a few new neighbors, maybe 10, would leave their Halloween decorations outside long enough for David to return home.
“If anyone would be open to us bringing him by Wednesday night for a make-up trick or treating stop, please let me know,” Dakake posted on a neighborhood Facebook page. “A few houses is all he needs and he will be so happy!”
It was worth a shot, she thought. When she checked Facebook later, she was shocked at the number of responses.
On Halloween night, dozens of people responded, all offering their homes for David to visit. A man with an antique firetruck offered to help David get to various homes in the sprawling neighborhood. Then, another person suggested setting up a trunk-or-treat for David. By Tuesday morning, several volunteers were organizing an event larger than what Dakake could have imagined.
“There are people texting me every five minutes,” Dakake said Tuesday.
And she couldn’t be more grateful. Dakake said she’s been amazed at the response from her community, and though he doesn’t know it yet, David will be thrilled with the surprise.
Dakake was able to find him a new Batman costume Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon, David will be released from the hospital. By 4 p.m., the fun will begin. David will have a friend, who also has special needs, to enjoy the fun with him. The Dakake family has been overwhelmed, but says the outpouring of support has been an inspiration.
“This is something bigger than just David,” Dakake said. “There’s a need somewhere for something. There’s going to be more after this. This is the first chapter of this book.”
It’s proof, Dakake said, that there are people willing to help others in need — a welcome break in a world filled with sad news.
“People will come together when there’s something that touches their heart,” she said.
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