Young boy with respiratory disease travels to Oregon for one-of-a-kind treasure

LINCOLN CITY, Ore. (KPTV) – A 6-year-old boy battling a respiratory disorder now has a one-of-a-kind treasure you can only find in the Pacific Northwest.

James lives in West Virginia and loves collecting sea glass. After hearing about the Finders Keepers Glass Floats that can be discovered on the beach in Lincoln City, James made a wish to come to the northwest and search for one of his own.

With the help of Make-A-Wish Oregon, his dream came true.

More than 3,000 beautiful, hand-blown glass floats – all made by local artists – are hidden along seven miles of Sandy Beach. If you find a float, it’s all yours.

James found a blue glass float while exploring Lincoln City, making it a day he will never forget.

“It was so exciting. Anytime you can see your kid doing what he loves, it’s amazing,” said Kelsey, James’ mom. “But I think it has an added importance when you know his life isn’t as easy as other kids. He spends hours a day doing treatments, so to see that joy, it makes it all worth it.”

After his time on the beach, James and his family went to the Lincoln City Glass Center. They got to see how the glass floats are made, and James even got to make one of his very own from scratch.

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