3 millionth cruise ship passenger lands at Ogden Point
The three millionth person at Ogden Point, Tanner Krist poses in front of the cruise ship he sailed in on at Ogden Point. Krist came on the cruise courtesy of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. in VICTORIA, B.C. July 16, 2009.
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Updated: July 16, 2009 5:00 PM
Tanner Krist has been through some rough times in his eight years.
But today he was in good health and all smiles when he was declared the three-millionth passenger to arrive by cruise ship in Ogden Point in Victoria.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The eight-year-old from Buffalo, N.Y. was born with chronic kidney disease and has had two kidney transplants in two years – one from each parent.
"We've all got the battle wounds," said dad Matthew Krist.
The foundation approached the family earlier this year and asked Tanner what he wanted to do.
"He wanted to see mountains and marine mammals, so an Alaskan cruise was on the agenda," said mom Traci Krist.
She said the panoramic views were beyond their wildest dreams.
The family, along with Tanner's 11-year-old cousin Brendan Kozak, saw 11 whales on their journey.
Tanner chose his cousin to go with him because he wanted to share his experience.
"I knew he would like it lots," Tanner said.
Tanner is just like any other boy his age, brimming with excitement apparent in his gap-toothed smile. He has a full list of activities today.
Victoria's town crier greeted the family before being whisked off on a horse-drawn carriage ride to Fisherman's Wharf to meet Sammy the Seal.
Later, he'll take a tour of Craigdarroch Castle, walk on the red carpet at the Empress Hotel, visit the Bug Zoo and fly over the harbour on a float plane.
Tanner said he's most excited about the limousine he'll have at his disposal throughout the day.
Traci said Tanner is in good health and has been feeling good since his second transplant seven months ago. She says the kidney could last 20 to 30 years.
"He doesn't know that his life is a little bit different. Everyday he wakes up and he's so excited about what's going to happen ... there have been many days when there's not been great things happening for him, and to see him happy every single day and smiling is a wonderful thing."
lweighton@vicnews.com
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