The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Stage 4 Wilms

Real-life superheroes give young boy an epic parade

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In many ways, David Castle is a typical 8-year-old boy.

He loves superheroes, WWE, Fortnight, motorcycles, fast cars and fishing.

Eight-year-old David Castle, who has been in cancer treatment nearly a year, gives two thumbs up when he hears the sirens of the approaching parade that is heading down his street, in the Ashley Lakes community in Odessa. (Christine Holtzman)

But, unlike most boys his age, he’s been undergoing cancer treatments for the better part of a year.

Last October, he was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Wilms tumor in his right kidney.

After 46 weeks of aggressive treatment — including the removal of his right kidney, he recently was diagnosed with two new cancerous tumors in his right lung.

A ministry outreach group called Bringing the SON Light, organized a massive Halloween parade — including 250 to 350 vehicles. The ministry, based in Spring Hill, also organized a barbecue fundraiser to benefit David and his family.

Las Insportables Tampa Bay, Crystal Harley-Davidson, KW Morrow Electric Inc., were other sponsors, too.

Eight-year-old David Castle waves at the fleet of passing Pasco County Fire Rescue vehicles that kicked off the Halloween Day parade that was organized just for him. As she stands behind him, his mother, Tammy Miller, is overcome with emotion as rescue vehicles drive by.

Vehicles taking part in the parade included exotic sports cars, motorcycles, 4-by-4s and emergency vehicles from Pasco Fire Rescue, Lealman and Tarpon Springs.

They rolled by and packed David’s street, in the Ashley Lakes subdivision, in Odessa.

Many of those taking part dressed up as David’s favorite superheroes, and gave the 8-year-old gifts and cards.

Parade participants performed, too, burning their rubber tires on the asphalt to provide a smoke show for David.

The boy was obviously delighted.

A participant of the Halloween day parade for David Castle burns rubber on the pavement outside of the young boy’s Odessa home. Those taking part were encouraged to dress as superheroes and to do smoke shows — because those are some of the 8-year-old’s favorite things.

After the parade, there was a big barbecue fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting David’s family.

David’s mother, Tammy Miller, was thrilled by the outpouring of generosity for her son and her family.

It has been a challenging year, and more challenges lie ahead.

But, on Halloween, David was one happy boy — surrounded by his favorite things, in a community that clearly cares.

If you would like to help, a GoFundMe account has been set up for David and his family. Visit Go Fund Me online and search for “Help Fight the Fight for David.”

Published November 04, 2020

Dale Stutz, of St. Petersburg, receives a hug from 8-year-old David Castle. Stutz, who dressed as Thor for the Halloween event, is the president of a local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
A steady stream of motorcycles, sports cars, emergency vehicles, and 4-by-4s, made their way to the Odessa community of Ashley Lakes — giving 8-year-old David Castle, a supersized Halloween parade. An estimated 250 to 300 vehicles joined in to treat the young cancer patient to a special day.
Tammy Miller — who is David Castle’s mother — can’t hide her excitement, as her son shows her one of the toys he received during the parade. The flatbed of a pickup truck was packed with toys for the 8-year-old.