Boy with cancer chases goal to visit all 50 states: ‘He just loves America’

HOOPER, Utah - Despite battling cancer for more than three years, 10-year-old Wyatt Drysdale is determined to achieve his dream of visiting all 50 U.S. states.

Wyatt diagnosed with brain cancer

The backstory:

Wyatt was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021 after doctors found a large tumor during a visit to Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah.

After surgery, along with an intense year and a half of chemotherapy and radiation, Wyatt’s mother, Joran, said that doctors were optimistic, telling the family that Wyatt had an 85% chance that the cancer would not return. 

Wyatt was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021 and is currently battling a return of the disease since 2023. (Credit: Joran Drysdale)

"We were really hopeful that he could just have a normal life, and we could be cancer-free," Joran told FOX Television Stations.

But in May 2023, a new tumor was discovered on his spine, leading to another round of chemotherapy, which he had been doing for the last six months. 

Wyatt strives to visit all 50 states

"With the recent finding of cancer, the doctors told us that while he feels really good, we should just do as much as we can," Joran, 37, continued. "So, one thing Wyatt's wanted to do, even before he had cancer, is he always has had this goal to see all 50 states because he just he loves America, and he loves learning all of the capitals of all the states." 

Among all the states Wyatt has traveled to so far, his favorite one is Tennessee because his favorite amusement park, Dollywood, exists there.

Wyatt travels to Niagara Falls in New York. He hopes to travel to all 50 states by the end of this year. (Credit: Joran Drysdale)

"With his cancer coming back, we just have felt this big push to get it done and help him reach his goal of seeing all 50 states," she shared, adding, "We have ten left. We're really close."

For the Drysdale family, the mission has been both physically and financially demanding. To make it happen, Joran explained that she and her husband have had to take time off work. In addition, the chemotherapy can make Wyatt feel nauseous and fatigued, so they said the family takes advantage of the days when he feels strong to continue their travels.

Wyatt poses with his dad and a caught fish in Alaska on the Kenai River. (Credit: Joran Drysdale)

"It's been quite the task," Joran explained. "We take opportunity on the days that he feels good. We just hit the ground running."

How to help Wyatt complete dream

What you can do:

To help fund Wyatt’s trips and cover his medical bills, the family set up a GoFundMe account. 

Wyatt stands with map of the states he has visited and where he is heading next. (Credit: Joran Drysdale)

Joran said the family is incredibly grateful for any support they can get. Wyatt’s journey is also being shared on Instagram @wyattourwarrior, where people can follow along with his adventures.

What's next:

The Drysdale family has plans to fly to Vermont in the coming weeks, ticking off several more states along the way. With just a few big trips remaining, they aim to complete their travels and Wyatt’s goal by May.

Joran said she hopes people are inspired by Wyatt and his dream to accomplish his goal.

"He is going through a lot. He doesn't always feel good, but he pushes through. He's really brave and he does really hard things. And I think it's cool that even though he's gone through a really hard thing, he's still setting goals for himself, and he's still trying really hard to do all the things that a normal kid would do," she said. "And I think the message that we want to share is just to seize the day. You know, life can be taken from anyone at any time. And I think the message is to just enjoy every day, and also love the people around you and, you know, spend time with your family, and do what's most important."