Xavier Byrd is not able to run around, or sing or play like other 6-year-olds.
The Linthicum boy has Schinzel-Giedion syndrome, a rare disease that affects fewer than one in a million people.
We wrote about Xavier, his adoring parents, and baby sister back in February. Now we have a happy update: Xavier has received a customized playground from Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.
Make-A-Wish installed play equipment that can be enjoyed by Xavier, his baby sister, Quinn, and other neighborhood children. There's a special swing for Xavier, a mister to keep him cool on hot days, and a rubberized surface to prevent injuries.
Xavier's parents, Anthony Byrd and Adrianne Woods, say Xavier loves being outside and feeling the sun and wind on his skin.
"He's a child, just like anyone else," says Woods. "You want to say he was able to experience life."
Volunteers from the organization, which makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses, celebrated the unveiling of the playground with a party late last month.