Manhattan's Warrior Wyatt, 5, To Lead Christmas Parade, Light Tree

MANHATTAN, IL — A Manhattan boy who just turned 5 and whose fight against leukemia captured the hearts and care of the community will enjoy a bit more stardom Saturday, with the help of Mayor Mike Adrieansen and Santa himself.

Wyatt Blevins, who has fought acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since 2021, has been tapped to serve as grand marshal of Manhattan's Parade of Lights during the Village's Christmas on State—even then flipping the switch to set the town's Christmas tree aglow.

Blevins learned of the surprise Friday, with a visit from Adrieansen and the Village's elf, Jangles.

"I told him that somebody important from the town was coming with a letter about the parade," his mom, Kaylee Blevins told Patch. "He was just shy and in shock when they got here.

"... But when he realized that he was going to be on the float, handing out candy, he was excited!"

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In a letter hand-delivered Friday, Adrieansen spoke of the significance of the honor of leading the parade, and what led the Village to choose Wyatt.

"We are all so excited to have you as part of this wonderful occasion, Wyatt," he wrote. "You are an inspiration to all of us, and we cannot wait to see the joy you bring to the parade and
tree lighting ceremony."

Wyatt was diagnosed at just 21 months old, and parents Kaylee and Doug have watched as Wyatt endured 2.5 years of grueling treatments, Kaylee Blevins said. On Nov. 18, Wyatt marked one year off treatment.

"Which is a huge milestone!" his family wrote to supporters. "The first of what we pray is forever!"

Among the treatments was chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin, often called "The Red Devil" for its bright red color. It can lead to long-term heart issues or, ultimately, heart failure, Kaylee said, but recent cardiac results show that Wyatt is not at risk, and won't have to undergo future cardiac testing.

Doctors will keep an eye for other factors—such as bone density—that might have been impacted by the treatments, she said.

But so far, so good.

"All good news," Kaylee said.

Adrieansen said he's looking forward to shining a spotlight on Wyatt during the parade and tree lighting. It's a change from past years, when the Village used a raffle to pick the Grand Marshal.

"We decided, instead, to try to find another child that’s a resident of Manhattan that’s been down on their luck, and show support for them," he said. "This takes their mind off that completely."

Santa was in on the surprise, too, with a note for Wyatt.

"Get ready to shine bright, Wyatt!" it read.

Adrieansen said he wants Wyatt to "feel special for the day.

"You know, make him feel like a celebrity for a day," he said. "I think he’s going to remember it forever."

Wyatt's SO in, Kaylee said.

"He used to not like it, but after everything he’s went through, he’s all about it," she said. "He’s OK with being recognized now.

"... It's definitely perfect timing."