Boy gets a sleigh ride of his lifetime

FORT WORTH, Texas (NBC/KXAS) - A 5-year-old Texas boy experienced a sleigh ride like no other: A magic helicopter ride that helped him and his family forget their troubles of the past few weeks.

It's easy to see that Zachary McBride is fascinated by helicopters, just one reason why Thursday night’s adventure is extra special.

"Sometimes you forget that there is people out there that have big hearts and do care,” said Michelle Fay, Zachary’s mom. “You realize how many people actually care when something like this happens."

It's the ride of a lifetime: A helicopter tour of Tarrant County's holiday lights, a special night to give Zachary and his mom a break. They're living at a Ronald McDonald House while he undergoes cancer treatments.

"They are calling it average risk, ALL. I can't say the whole word. It's Acute Lymphoblast Leukemia,” said Fay.

When it was time to go on the helicopter ride, pilot Victoria Burchfield gave Zachary the rules.
 
"You have to wear your seatbelt, OK?" Burchfield instructed the little passenger.

Then, the crew headed to the tarmac of Meacham Airport, and little Zachary climbed in.

There was some prepping to do as Burchfield handed Zachary the head gear and microphone to speak into.

And then they were on their way to one magical night for one magical boy.