11-year-old with terminal illness gets roller coaster wish in Vallejo

VALLEJO, Calif. (KTVU) - Some people love the thrill of riding a roller coaster, but for others, like 11-year-old Patrick Partington, they’ve always wanted to see one being built. That wish came true on Monday when Partington, his sister, and their mom who tagged along, was granted a special tour at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park in Vallejo.

Patrick and his twin-sister Jenna both have the same genetic disease called cystinosis. It’s a rare, progressive, and potentially fatal disease

“I think it's cool how they are built and how it can hold the cars that are so heavy,” said Patrick gazing at the coaster’s purple and green tracks from the backstage tour.

Only an estimated 500, mostly young people have cystinosis in the U.S., with only 2,000 with the disease worldwide.

Patrick and Jenna take up to 12 pills in the morning and 12 more at night for their disease, which produces unwanted amino acid that destroys their organs, eyes and muscles. There is no known  cure.

“We have to be strong so they can be strong,” said Teresa Parington, the twins’ mother. She said kidney transplants are likely in a few years and that her children's life expectancy is 27 years.

“I got to see all of it. I’m really happy. It was so fun,” said Patrick.

“When your kid has a terminal illness or serious disease, the great days are really great, when you can just forget about it and let them enjoy. It's special,” said Teresa.

Patrick hopes to make it back to the theme park for the day the roller coaster opens.