We start of Make-A-Wish Week 2009 a bit differently than we have in the past. This is the story of a young Lincoln boy who has already left this earth far too early. R.J. Alwin who was granted a special rush wish just days before he passed away.

R.J.'s dad Tony recalls hearing the devasting news in the fall of 2007, "They called me from the hospital and said that he had 3 brain tumors that they found on the MRI and we were going to need to go to the hospital right away to have surgery done."

That surgery marked the beginning of an excruciating journey for R.J. After undergoing months of chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and multiple trips to Houston and St. Louis, scans revealed that the cancer had spread through R.J.'s internal organs. "The doctors in Omaha told us that they didn't think that he was going to survive," said R.J.'s Dad.

R.J's Dad turned to Make-a-Wish in the summer of 2008. Suddenly, a trip to Disney World was all R.J. could think of. But early in 2009, R.J.'s health deteriorated rapidly. Doctors said the 4-year-old's days were numbered and he was confined to a bed. Tony recalls, "When they told me that there was really nothing left they could do I had to explain to him that he was going to go to someplace better."

That's where the Make-A-Wish magic came into play. They brought a special guest to R.J.'s bedside and because the foundation partners don't want publicity, we can't tell you exactly who came to see R.J. but his big sister Dyan says,it's fair to say, "When he walked in it was really surprising and it just lit up everyone's faces. He smiled for the first time in a really, really long time."

Tony says, "You could tell what he was feeling, more proud than anything else, that he had turned 5. It was just one of those moments that was more for the family, right."

Make-A-Wish shed light in the darkness, "He'd have his times when he was comfortable but for the most part it was a very trying time. Just to see his face light up that one time was...it's just something you don't forget."

That was the last day that R.J. was responsive. He passed away just 5 days after Make-A-Wish brought a smile to his face for the final time. He was laid to rest on March 28th, 2009.

For further information on how you can make a donation or volunteer your time, call 800-760-WISH or log onto http://nebraska.wish.org

Coming up on Tuesday, Lance introduces us to a Grand Island girl that got to meet Miley Cyrus.