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3-year-old Arabi boy with heart condition surprised with giant monster truck playset

ARABI, La. (WGNO) — A boy from Arabi, who is battling a heart condition, got a big surprise on Friday from Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, The McDonnel Group and Top Golf.

Make-A-Wish surprised 3-year-old Rontrell Journee with a brand-new Hot Wheels monster truck playset for his own backyard.

“It is beautiful,” the boy said.

The playset was a beautiful surprise for Journee, who’s been battling congenital heart disease since birth.

“He always asks everyday if we can stop at a playground, so it is amazing that he gets his own playground at home,” Demetriana Smith, Journee’s mother said.

“This helps bring them joy back. It is a piece of childhood that they are missing as they continue their critical illness journey,” Michelle Mason with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana said.

For his family, this new playset revs up their son’s little engine.

“It keeps him going. It inspires him to keep on pushing. I’m happy for him,” Randell Journee, the boy’s father said.

Darrell Gottschalk with The McDonnel Group said, “This playset has swings, ladders, climbing wall, a couple of monster truck added features and we’ve got a big old slide, which I think will be a highlight.”

Top Golf also came on Friday to top off the surprise.

“We know he likes golf so we got him golf clubs, Sonic the Hedgehog toys, Hot Wheels cars and a lot of golf swag for him,” Brandon Creel with Top Golf said.

The family was also given VIP tickets to a Monster Truck show.

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