Over 100 people came out to the Prince George Roll-A-Dome on Saturday to wish Jaeden Paquette a happy 12th birthday.
For some kids that wouldn't be out of the ordinary, but for Jaeden -who suffers from mild autism and has trouble making friends -it was extraordinary. At his previous birthday parties sometimes only his family would show up.
So when Jaeden's mom, Jolene Paquette, asked him what he wanted for his birthday this year and he said, "a party with lots of people," she reached out on Facebook to try to put together a big party. The response - especially after the story was picked up by local media -was amazing, Jolene said.
"I'm shocked. I didn't expect this," she said. "Between me and my best friend we thought we could maybe get 50 friends with kids. I'm just amazed at the turnout."
Birthday wishes for Jaeden have poured in from around the world and family members made a surprise trip from Fort Nelson for the party.
When toy maker Hasbro heard that Jaeden wanted to have a Nerf gun battle at his party, the company emailed Jolene and asked if it could help.
"A week later a courier showed up with three big boxes -there was nine huge Nerf guns," Jolene said.
Bites of Bliss Cakery donated two special birthday cakes, Walmart contributed drinks and snacks, and the Roll-A-Dome donated use of its space.
The Rated P.G. Rollergirls roller derby club helped set up and decorate the Roll-A-Dome, and Jaeden "got to skate with the roller derby girls," Jolene said. Members of the local girls softball league came to the party and helped clean up afterward.
"I can't thank everyone enough," she said. "I couldn't have done it without them."
Jolene said in addition to making Jaeden's birthday wish come true, she hopes the event will raise awareness of autism and how it effects how people like Jaeden interact with the world around them.
Jaeden was diagnosed with autism a year ago after a process that took three years.
"It's been a struggle for Jaeden to get a diagnosis. We wanted to raise some awareness because, to me, autism is a hidden disease," Jolene said.
Jaeden struggles with reading and writing, but excels at math, she said. He needs to have a very fixed schedule and know what is happening in advance, so he doesn't become overwhelmed.
"Lots of people overwhelm him. We have very sensitive ears, eyes and nose," she said. "He has a hard time showing his emotions. And because of that, sometimes the emotion he shows is anger. He can get grumpy when he is overwhelmed."
A crowded party full of strangers, noise and chaos would normally be a difficult place for a person with autism, but Jaeden said he was having fun - especially while roller skating.
"It's good," he said.
Jolene said she hopes next year, and in years to come, Jaeden will never again have a birthday party nobody comes to.
Autism Society of B.C. local branch coordinator Corey Walker said the society brought its information display to the party in hopes of spreading understanding about autism and how isolating it can be.
"Not only is Jaeden having a lot of people come to his birthday party, but we are raising awareness of autism and lonely a place it can be," Walker said. "A lot of people face social challenges."
The way autism effects the brain "is like being from another planet" he said, which makes it hard for people with autism to interact with those around them.
One of the people who came out to wish Jaeden happy birthday was Travis Shaw, somebody who knows something about growing up different. Shaw, who is a drag queen performer using the stage name Foxy De-Rossi, said when he heard about Jaeden's story he wanted to show his support.
"I know what it's like to be left out," Shaw said. "This is an example that shows Prince George really does have a heart."
Lisa Mayhew came with her kids to the party.
"I'd heard about it on the radio and it just tugged my heart," Mayhew said. "I felt this was something I'd like to bring my kids to."
Rated PG Rollergirls skater Katt Von Doom may be tough as nails in a derby, but struggled to keep her composure when she spoke about why the club got involved.
"I can't imagine having a special needs child and having no one come to their birthday," Von Doom said. "I think everybody deserves to have one great birthday, and hopefully this is it [for Jaeden]. [And] anytime you can get on roller skates its a good day."
