It’s a very special Christmas for one boy and his mother this year. Zeke Ward, 7, and his mother Willa Ward will celebrate the holidays cancer-free this year.

Willa Ward explained that this is the first Christmas that she does not have to worry about it being her son’s last. She said the outlook is excellent and she commended the doctors at the University of New Mexico Hospital for their work.

Zeke had leukemia for three years, diagnosed in August of 2005. On Aug. 12 of this year, Ward got the news that her son was cancer free. They celebrated by flying to Maui, where Zeke had a week of no rules.

“He loved the beach, waves, and we went on a yellow submarine to see sea life under water,” Ward said. “We woke up every morning and he wanted to go to the beach or the pool. He loved the luaus and the hula dancers.”

Zeke attends Sandia Vista Elementary and enjoys learning. His mother said the teachers and staff have been phenomenal. In addition to learning, Zeke loves Disney. In fact, he and his mother are heading down to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., this Christmas.

Zeke has several mementos from Disney characters and stars, including an autographed picture of actor Tim Allen dressed as Santa (from the movie “The Santa Clause”).

Recently, Zeke met the mayor of Rio Rancho, Tom Swisstack. Swisstack held Zeke in his lap as they read Zeke’s favorite Christmas book, “The Night Before Christmas.”

Swisstack was delighted to spend time with Zeke.

“Sitting there with a 7-year-old boy who has probably experienced more pain in his seven years of life than I have in my life, I was impressed at how friendly, positive and interactive he was,” Swisstack said. “He did not let his setback deter his love for life.”

Children have always been important to Swisstack, who is the director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention and Youth Services Center. He has worked there for more than 31 years.

“Children are an important part of my career and they have always managed to keep me grounded,” Swisstack said. “My whole professional career has been geared around helping young people commit themselves as well as have good role models.”

Willa Ward said she and Zeke met the mayor at the grand opening of Sandia Vista Elementary. She said she wanted to get a picture of Swisstack and Zeke together. She said Swisstack wanted to spend some time with Zeke in his office and read together.

Willa Ward said she couldn’t explain in words how much Zeke meant to her.

“Zeke is the top of the line and I don’t want anything else,” Ward said. “He is my heart, my soul and my life.”

She said he’s had a positive impact on her life.

“Zeke has made me more caring, more giving and more forgiving,” Ward said. “I can’t put motherhood in words. He’s never an inconvenience and he has enhanced my life.”