Five years ago, a heart-wrenching search turned to heartbreak for the family of James Delorey.
The seven-year-old boy, who lived with autism, went missing from his Sydney area home during a snowstorm. He was found two days later, but it was too late.
“It almost doesn't feel real in a way, but we had such a bond together and I think that helps. That love just comes through and gives you the strength,” says Delorey’s mother Veronica Fraser.
Delorey’s story captured the hearts of many and gained national attention. Now, five years later, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality declared December 8 James Delorey Day.
“We're more aware of what autism is all about and I really thank James for bringing it to us,” says councillor Jim MacLeod.
Since Delorey's death, a new device has been developed to help searchers located someone with autism or Alzheimer’s.
“There are over 40 clients now in the CBRM that have this locator device,” says Fraser. “So anyone that's at risk of wondering, they should have this, because once they go missing they start searching right away.”
Fraser says she hopes the device will save many lives and is happy that her son is being remembered is such a special way.
“I’m very honoured that he's been commemorated and nobody will ever forget him because of that and he deserves that.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
