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would make it through the surgery,” Gideon stressed.

After several hours, Gideon successfully made it through surgery, though doctors were unsure what his future outcome would be. He was flown to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta for further treatment.

“Upon arrival, the hospital staff realized that my brain was still bleeding,” he continued. “I was rushed back into the operating room for a second operation. Thankfully, I made it through alive.”

Gideon was kept in a medically induced coma for weeks to allow the swelling on his brain to subside and his body to rest. “The doctors told my family that they were not sure if I would wake up, or if I did, what cognitive function I would have left,” he said. “Miraculously, I woke up! In even better news, my brain was functioning properly and I was the same silly boy as before.”

He continued, “It wasn’t all good news though, because I lost my eyesight. Adjusting to my new way of living was not easy. It took a lot of hard work and determination to regain my independence. I spent over two months in rehabilitation working with physical, occupational, and speech therapists. I relearned how to speak, eat, and walk. After graduating from rehab, the doctors decided it would not be a good idea for me to continue living in Uganda because of the lack of proper healthcare available there. So, I moved in permanently with Olivia and George, my new mom and dad.” Today, 17-year-old Gideon lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with his new parents and continues to navigate his new American life. Yet, one thing has not changed through it all: he remains Gideon of Good Cheer.

“While this experience was difficult and losing my eyesight was devastating, God gave me the courage to persevere. I’m thankful that God saved my life and has given me a forever family to stand by my side through it all,” he reflected. “Sometimes, God uses your pain to write a better story than you had in mind! John 16:33 says, ‘In this world, you shall have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.’ In my greatest time of trouble, God provided for me and gave me more than I could have ever dreamed of. He has helped me to be of good cheer, and now I want to spread my cheer to others!”

Gideon continues to spread his cheer to others, including his friend Mayor Roper, whom he has stayed in contact with since the pair’s first meeting. It was during one of Gideon’s encouraging talks that Roper had an idea to make his friend’s Christmas visit to Vidalia something he would never forget.

Roper said, “During the [Hurricane Helene], [Gideon] sent me a video of encouragement that really touched my heart. The timing of the video was absolutely perfect because it was during one of the times I needed a pick-meup and Gideon provided it. In the video, he shared his favorite verse, John 16:33, which says “In the world you shall have trouble, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” When you hear and understand his life story, it’s clear to see that Gideon not only embraces this verse but walks it out. Through all of his challenges, he remains Gideon of Good Cheer. In my opinion, he is a young man that is truly inspirational, and I wanted a way to honor him and shine a spotlight on his outlook on life.”

He continued, “That is when I had the thought about the Christmas parade. If he already tells people he is my Mayor Pro Tem, I wanted to upgrade him for the day and make him our Honorary Mayor for the day and the two of us ride together in the parade. In addition to being our Honorary Mayor that day, he will be given a shirt with our city seal and presented with a proclamation to mark the occasion.”

Gideon commented on his excitement about his travel to Vidalia. “I cannot wait to be back there and to visit with all of my family and friends,” he emphasized.

Roper said that honoring Gideon is something that just felt right, as he has been impacted greatly through the pair’s friendship. “What do I think people can learn from him? If this young man, having gone through all he has gone through in life can remain of good cheer, so can I. If everyone, no matter the circumstance, remained of good cheer, this world would be a different place,” he commented.

In the Vidalia Christmas Parade the pair cruised down U.S. Highway 280 in style, as they rode in a classic car and greeted the community with the same cheer he lives his daily life.