A minor derailment of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Polar Express locomotive meant a 4-year-old boy was unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a guest conductor last week.
Ody Catsman was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just 4 weeks old. And on Friday, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he was supposed to be a guest conductor on The Polar Express. But because of the derailment his trip had to be postponed.
The derailment occurred behind the train station at 479 Main Ave. when a set of tender wheels, connected to the locomotive and tender truck, failed to navigate a switch, causing the truck to come off the rails and onto the ground, according to D&SNG on Friday.
Make-A-Wish Manager Jeanne Olsen said Ody’s ride has been rescheduled for Jan. 3. Ody was able to meet Durango High School students who cheered him on before his scheduled ride.
Friday’s train ride would have marked a significant milestone for the toddler, who has been battling illness since birth and had limited public interaction until recently.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that damages the lungs, digestive system and other organs. It has posed significant challenges for Ody and his family. Because cystic fibrosis often first occurs in the lungs, COVID-19 created concerns for the family.
“During COVID, we really didn’t know what would happen,” said his mother, Kathryn Catsman.
Given the nature of his condition, which impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients as a result of pancreatic insufficiency, Ody was often isolated during the pandemic. Thick mucus blocks the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, making it difficult for him to process vital nutrients.
The parents were shocked to discover that both of them carried the CF gene when Ody was born, making it possible for them to pass the disorder onto their child. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, close to 40,000 children and adults have the disease nationwide.
However, thanks to ongoing medication, Ody is now thriving. He attends preschool at the Durango Early Learning Center, where his mother says he is doing well.
Ody’s diagnosis also made him eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with severe illnesses. For Ody, the wish was simple: to ride the Polar Express.
“We’ve been planning this for six months, but he just rolled with it,” Kathryn Catsman said about the disappointment surrounding the train derailment.
Despite not being able to ride the train, she said he was in a positive mood.
Although he had never been on the train, Ody had long dreamed of riding in the caboose. As part of his wish, he was suppose to experience one of the train’s deluxe cars during the festive ride.
“We can’t provide the medicine but we can help give kids everything else that helps,” said Olsen in an interview Wednesday.
Olsen, who helps children with serious illnesses fulfill their wishes, said kids’ dreams often vary widely. Some wish for a special trip, a chance to meet a celebrity, or an opportunity to experience a dream role for a day.
What stood out about Ody’s wish, she said, was how specific and self-driven it was.
“Young children’s choices are often influenced by their parents, but Ody knew exactly what he wanted without much input,” she said.
According to Olsen, discussions between Make-A-Wish and Ody’s family began in 2024. Originally, Ody was supposed to take his ride in August but had to go in for more treatment so it was postponed.
Ody was gifted official conductor attire and a cap.
Kathryn Catsman said Ody still enjoyed the company of his send-off party – a group of Durango High School students who had planned to cheer him on as he departed the station Friday night.
“Any activity is great for him at this point,” Kathryn Catsman said. “For him to be able to go out into the public (in this way) is so heartwarming.”
tbrown@durangoherald.com
