Community Corner

Lucky Four-Year-Old Lights North Caldwell Tree

Christopher Flanagan gets special honor less than a year after doctor's discovered he had a rare tumor.

North Caldwell’s Christmas tree lighting was extra special this year thanks to a little boy with a miraculous story.

The tree was lit by 4-year-old Christopher Flanagan, who suffered a seizure during the borough’s holiday festivities just last year.

Christopher was rushed to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston where he underwent treatments and tests before a rare tumor was discovered, according to Mayor Joseph Alessi. 

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In August, the boy was flown to Texas where he became only the seventh person to undergo a new and difficult surgery to remove the tumor.

“Two weeks ago, Christopher returned to Texas and he was given a 100 percent clean bill of health,” Alessi reported, “truly a miraculous recovery.”

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The North Caldwell Fire Department has adopted Christopher, a kindergartner at Grandview School, as an honorary member. 


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