Chance Connection Allows Falls Twp. Family To Brighten Oregon Boy’s Day

A chance connection on social media led to a Falls Township family providing a special gift for one Oregon boy.

The local Harrigan family helped arrange for the voice of Princess Anna from Disney’s “Frozen,” played by actress Kristen Bell, to create a personalized message for 2-year-old Rowdy Robinson and his sister Paisley.

Rowdy suffers from oculodentodigital syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes a number of medical issues. His parents recently found out that his ailments will one day take his life.

Falls Township resident Sean Harrigan said his wife, Crystal, connected with Rowdy’s mom, Jessica, on a Facebook group focused on parenting. Rowdy’s challenges touched the Harrigans, parents themselves, and compelled them to do something.

Finding out that Rowdy, who still has plenty of spunk, loved Princess Anna from “Frozen” compelled Sean Harrigan to make the special gift happen for the Robinsons.

“Jessica said Rowdy loves ‘Frozen’ and watches it constantly,” he said.

Harrigan started a campaign to make contact with Bell, who voices Princess Anna.

“I made it my life’s mission to make this happen,” he said.

After a bit of work, Harrigan heard back from one of Bell’s assistants and told them the story.

A short time later, an email arrived in Harrigan’s inbox. It was an audio file featuring Bell giving Rowdy a message.

Robinson, Rowdy’s mom, received the file with Bell portraying her “Frozen” character from across the county in Goble, Oregon, which is about an hour from Portland.

The video was created for Rowdy and his sister. It greets Rowdy and mentioned the family’s trip to Disneyland, which just took place.

Rowdy’s mom said she plays the video for her little boy every morning.

“Rowdy’s face just lights up! He laughs and smiles and acts as if it’s the first time he’s seen it! It’s just something we will cherish forever, while he’s here with us and when he no longer is,” she said. “It’s a gift that will always hold so much sentimental value.”

For the Harrigans, seeing Rowdy’s reaction in the video was special to them and made the effort worth it.

“Although we don’t personally know Rowdy and his family and live on opposite sides of the country, the connection and bond we’ve forged has made us all family,” he said.

Robinson said the support for her family and the positive reaction to the video has provided them with excitement and happiness.

“It made my heart happy knowing that a family we’ve never even met would go out of their way to bring joy to our son’s life. The emotional support we’ve received since learning of our sons diagnosis has been what has pushed us through the hard days. What the Harrigan family did for us is something that we will remember for our lifetime,” she told LevittownNow.com.

Harrigan said he is working to raise funds to help cover some of Rowdy’s expensive care.

The Robinson’s maintain a Facebook page to keep those interested abreast of Rowdy’s life.

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