A Connecticut family is facing an unimaginable challenge as they wait for a life-saving heart transplant for their five-year-old son, Lincoln Stanger. For over 300 days, Lincoln has been a patient at Boston Children’s Hospital, hoping for a new heart. This year marked the second birthday he has spent in a hospital room, unable to celebrate in the way most children his age do. But thanks to Boston’s first responders, his fifth birthday became a moment of joy, allowing him to forget about his medical battle, even if just for a day.
Lincoln has big dreams of becoming a firefighter, a passion he lives out daily by dressing up in a fireman’s uniform. His only birthday wish was to see a fire truck, and the Boston Fire Department made sure that dream came true. Firefighters arrived to surprise him, giving Lincoln a chance to experience the excitement of being part of the fire crew. In a touching gesture, they even made him an official Junior Firefighter for the City of Boston. His mother, Ashley, described the experience as his “favorite birthday,” calling it an incredible moment of happiness during such a difficult time.
Despite the challenges he has faced in his short life, Lincoln’s spirit remains strong. While he continues to wait for a donor heart, his special day was a reminder that he is not just a patient—he is a child with big hopes and dreams. His family expressed immense gratitude to the firefighters who helped bring him joy and provided a much-needed escape from the harsh reality of his condition. The moment of kindness from Boston’s first responders turned what could have been another difficult birthday into one filled with excitement, happiness, and hope for the future.
