Shedding Light on a Boy’s Life

Given one wish, Miguel Guzman Jr. would return his father to his family. Though the 12-year-old Santa Ana youth has an inoperable brain tumor, he would rather see his father, who was killed in a drive-by shooting when Miguel was 2, than be free of the tumor that has haunted him since age 3.

But earlier this week, his usually serious face reflected the hint of a smile, his brown eyes brightening if only for a moment. The Tustin-based Pointes of Light Foundation told Miguel he would meet one of his idols: Michael Jordan.

The Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital served as the backdrop to the Pointes of Light celebration for Miguel. More than 40 people attended Monday’s event, including Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, the International Peace Children’s Choir, the Villa Park High School band and Santa Claus--who had his picture taken with Miguel and handed out candy canes.

In addition, the foundation vowed to send Miguel and his mother, Berta, to the Catholic shrine of their choice, where they will pray for a miracle. Given that doctors gave Miguel weeks to live in 1990, his mother thinks a miracle has already occurred.

Also through the nonprofit organization, the Tustin Police Department gave Miguel a bicycle.

But there’s still a void, said Nancy Fontaine, who founded Pointes of Light nine years ago.

“I’ve got to see him again,” said Fontaine, noting that Miguel remains in her thoughts. “He needs something. I’ve got to put a light back in his eyes.

“There’s so much pain in him,” she said, referring to the heartache for his father. “He needs to vent, to get past it.”

Until then, Miguel will ride his new bike, despite diminished mobility in his legs caused by the tumor, and await his meeting with Jordan.