Update: Colton returned to the diamond for South Whidbey High in 2009 and lined a single in his first at-bat in more than two years. You can read more about his successful return for his senior season in this story from the Everett (Wash.) Daily Herald.

When Colton was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2006, people in his community made one thing clear: He wouldn’t have to face the disease alone.

His teammates from the South Whidbey High School Falcons baseball team shaved their heads in support. Another teammate volunteered to DJ at a dance to raise money for Colton’s treatment. Other people from the community organized dunk tank fundraisers and fairs to provide a laptop for Colton so he could keep up in school.

Colton didn’t forget those who helped him. When the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington offered to grant his one true wish, he chose a wish that would benefit his community: a complete renovation of his high school’s baseball field.

While the team took pride in its field, the school did not have the funds to update aged bleachers weathered by the frequent rains, purchase tarps to protect the infield, erect new fencing and make long-needed improvements to the batting cages and bullpens.

“I’ve been on a cruise, and I’ve been to Disneyland,” he told his local newspaper. “This would be way cooler than any trip, and it will last longer.”

When the Foundation spread the word of Colton’s amazing wish, people in his community of Langley and beyond wanted to help. By the end of the 2006-07 school year, local businesses and communities donated baseball equipment, new bleachers, weighted tarps and artificial turf for the batting cages and other areas. Jewelers for Children, a national organization of jewelers that supports children’s charities, also helped make Colton’s dream come true with a $6,500 donation. Barbara Walker, a member of the Pacific Northwest Jewelers Association and JFC supporter, also found local contractors willing to donate services and helped organize the June 2007 public unveiling of Colton’s wish.

Teammates, news reporters, volunteers and other supporters gathered to watch Colton throw out the ceremonial first pitch. His Falcons teammates were also thrilled to play an inning under the lights for the crowd. After the inning, the team invited the 300 people who attended to tour the field and practice facilities.

The night certainly had Colton excited to play ball again, and he’s in physical therapy to strengthen his leg so he can take his place in the varsity lineup. When he was diagnosed, he was batting .400 as a catcher on the junior varsity team.

Walker represented JFC at the event, presenting Colton with a watch as a keepsake of the baseball field’s debut.

“Being involved with this wish gave me a real opportunity to see a community bond,” Walker said. “Colton remembered all the support from his friends and neighbors, and he did something wonderful in sharing his wish with each of them. This just proves how a wish creates magic.”

Jewelers for Children is a nonprofit organization created by the jewelry industry to raise money for children’s charities. Since 1999, JFC has helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant more than 900 wishes to courageous children nationwide. JFC has also pledged $1 million to the Foundation for the 2008 fiscal year to support wish-granting efforts.