Given three months to live, 12-year-old Tyler Duncan said he wanted to go out Hawaiian-style. The leukemia patient, too ill to fulfill his dream vacation to the land of pineapples and leis, had a big luau, in which Petland played a big part. Two Chicago-area Petland stores provided a colorful macaw, tropical fish in a reef tank, bearded dragons, hermit crabs and tree frogs to help create a festive environment at the March 10 event entitled, "Luau for Life." Also, members of the community brought forth Polynesian fire dancers, foods and drinks native to Hawaii, as well as live music. "It went really great. It was like a professional production," said Franchisee Harry Overton of Petland Arlington Heights in Illinois. "Tyler got so excited when we put a bird on his arm." Aloha Tyler Overton, his wife, Kay, and Franchisees Keith and Linda Geers of Petland Wheaton, Ill., attended the Hawaiian-themed party that drew more than 300 people to the Willow Creek Community Church. Petland welcomed Duncan at the party with a huge banner reading "Aloha Tyler." "He loved it," Overton said, noting Duncan took the banner home and hung it up in the foyer. The luau, covered by a reporter from the Pioneer Press, was well attended by family members, friends, neighbors and teachers from Duncan's school. Petland received some nice media coverage, including a mention of Overton's gesture to alert Linda Lingle, governor of the state of Hawaii, of the event. The governor responded with a box of Hawaiian goods and a letter to Duncan. She wrote: "Your bravery and positive attitude are truly inspiring. Although you are not able to travel to Hawaii, we are certain your family and friends have worked hard to create a memorable Hawaiian Week, one you will remember forever. We hope you enjoy traditional Hawaiian luau activities, including hula dancing and ukulele music, as well as our famous shredded pork and chicken. We send our best wishes for continued strength and will keep you, and your family, in our thoughts and prayers." A puppy for the family A couple weeks after the party, Duncan and his family came into Petland to visit. "He ended up taking home a pug and all the supplies to go with it," said Overton, noting the boy's glee in the "new best friend" and gifts from Petland. Duncan passed away on April 12. His obituary stated that he passed away "in his home surrounded by family, having accomplished all he had set out to do in the short time he knew remained for him."
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