Theriault Equipment makes wish come true
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Stephen Drost, 4, of Washington state and formerly of Washburn, had his wishes granted last week, thanks to the Make-A-Wish program.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MAKING WISHES COME TRUE — Lionel Theriault, principal and general manager of Theriault Equipment in Presque Isle, holds the door open June 12 so Stephen Drost, 4, can drive his new Gator out of the building, accompanied by his brother, Wesley, 2. The boys’ cousin Sierra Earle, 9, of Washburn, exits the store behind them. Stephen was the latest to have his wish granted by Make-A-Wish Maine, with a trip to his favorite John Deere dealership at the top of his wish list.
STEPHEN DROST, 4, of Washington state, helps drive a John Deere sprayer, as his brother Wesley, 2, looks on. Stephen, who’s battling cancer, asked Make-A-Wish for a visit to his grandparents in Washburn, with a stop at the Houlton airport on June 11, followed by a trip to Theriault Equipment in Presque Isle on Thursday, where he rode the tractor and received many gifts. 
“Stephen is battling cancer. Although the child now lives in Washington, he was born in Maine and his grandparents still reside here. Stephen’s wish was to visit his Maine family and spend time at his favorite John Deere dealer, Theriault Equipment in Presque Isle. Stephen knew he was coming to Maine, what he didn’t know is that Make-A-Wish has planned not just one but two big surprises that are sure to delight this active little boy,” said Sonja Purington, marketing and communications director of Make-A-Wish Maine.
Drost’s first surprise involved a trip to Houlton.
“On June 11, Stephen was the guest of honor at the Houlton International Airport where U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents, Maine State Police, Maine National Guard soldiers and Houlton police welcomed him,” said Purington.
While there, Drost was able to check out one of his favorite mechanical devices — a real helicopter.
On Thursday, his wish to visit Theriault’s came true, complete with a limousine ride to the business.
“On June 12, Stephen was made honorary president of Theriault Equipment for the day. He got to check out the equipment and even take a tractor ride on the 150 acres behind the store. In addition to VIP treatment, he also received a custom-embroidered John Deere jacket and hat, his own battery-powered Gator and had celebratory cake and a pinata in honor of his courageous battle,” Purington said.
Drost wasn’t the only one receiving gifts in his family. Not wanting his little brother, Wesley, 2, to feel left out, Theriault Equipment had gifts for him as well.
This young man is doing remarkably well, according to his mother, who noted his cancer is now in remission.
“He was diagnosed with T-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoblastic lymphoma in September 2012. He’s in remission — done treatments in December,” said Amber Drost.
“Stephen was very excited to see his grandparents in Washburn and to visit Theriault’s. He loves tractors,” she said, as her son and his brother enjoyed their ride on a John Deere sprayer.
Lionel Theriault Jr., principal and general manager of the dealership, was happy to be able to make Drost’s wish come true.
“We did whatever we could to make this a great day for Stephen. This is sure to be a trip that little Stephen will never forget,” said Theriault.
In addition to the gifts, Theriault also planned to have the items shipped out west, at no cost to the Drosts.
“We’ll be shipping everything to the family. It’s our gift to them,” said Theriualt.
For more information about Make-A-Wish Maine, visit www.maine.wish.org.
