Trip of a lifetime allowed Brantford boy to 'forget about his hospital visits and his therapy,' says mom

_{Article content originally published in The Brantford Expositor on November 3, 2025 by Michelle Ruby}

_{Nine-year-old Akshat Maurya and his dad, Ashok Maurya, of Brantford, enjoy some time aboard the Rocky Mountaineer on a recent two-day trip from Banff, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia organized by Starlight Children's Foundation Canada.  SUBMITTED}

Walter Gretzky Elementary School's Akshat Maurya can’t get the memories of a whirlwind Rocky Mountain train ride out of his mind.  

Sure, there were views of the breathtaking scenery as his luxury coach wound through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, showcasing untouched terrain you can only see by rail. But there were also bingo games, a dance party, a cookie decorating competition, singalongs, and morning feasts of Mickey Mouse pancakes whipped up by an onboard chef – all the makings of a child’s dream vacation.