Direct Link Between Mental Attitude and Healing

Article from ABC 3 Wear

Florida: There is some medical research called "Neuro-Immunology" that shows a direct link between a person's mental attitude and their ability to heal.

A local family does not need to see that report to believe it.

Channel Three's Kathryn Daniel takes us to Nemours Children Clinic for their story.

A month ago, Pediatric Oncologist Chatchawin Assanasen was really worried about Christopher Siders.

Dr. Chatchwin Assanasen/Nemours Children's Clinic; "He was really beginning to, for all intents and purposes look like he was giving up on the fight."

Chris' cancer had came back for the third time in a year. The 12-year-old did not want to continue treatment.

Worried doctor and parents knew Chris needed something special -- medically and emotionally.

Time for a "Make A Wish."

Melanie Fryou/Nemours Children's Clinic; "His first wish was to meet Tim Tebow and throw the football on Florida Field."

After blood transfusions for strength and an encouraging phone call from the Heisman Winner, the Siders' family went to Gainesville for a practice.

Afterward it was just two guys talking football.

Christopher Siders: "He took out a number four jersey which was my number and then he made me take his jersey off and I put on the number four jersey and then we threw the football for a little while and then we went and prayed for me."

On Florida field, Tim asked god to help Chris begin to try and get better.

Christopher Siders: "I've got so many people out there praying for me and wanting me to get through this and than God has always said that in order for you to do things you have to give your part so my part in this is to go out there and go through the treatments and let all these prayers work for me."

Chris spent almost five hours with Tim -- an unheard of celebrity experience for make a wish workers. Coach Urban Meyer hung out a lot too and extended a special invite to Chris.

Christopher Siders: "He said I could warm him up on Florida Field so I chose the Florida State game because that's his last home game."

Which Chris is now determined to be around for Dr. Chatchi says Chris's lab work numbers look better, his side effects have vanished. He's eating more; his body is responding.

Dr. Chatchawin Assanasen; "We, medically, did not really change a lot of what we did with Christopher. It all came from within Chris himself."

Tim recruited Chris to come to Florida pushing the school's science curriculum and together set a goal.

Christopher Siders: "I'd like to be a chemistry professor. I'd like to cure cancer one day, that'd be my ultimate goal cause there shouldn't be a kid in the world who should have to go through this."

Chris' sixth grade class from Semmes Middle School is walking in his honor tonight at the Pace Relay For Life.

If you'd like to become a "Make A Wish Granter" call 813-288-2600 for local training and information.