A young boy dressed warmly in black sits smiling in his wheelchair surrounded by colorful birthday gifts, balloons, and decorations outside his home.

Altus Community Rallies to Celebrate Local Boy’s 10th Birthday

City of Altus

October 30, 2025

What began as a simple Facebook post from a local grandmother turned into a powerful show of love and community spirit that Altus will not soon forget.

Earlier this week, Tracey Caron Colchado posted in a local Facebook group:

“I have a little boy that's turning 10 on Wednesday. He loves trucks big and small. If anyone would like to drive by our home and honk your horn, he would love it.”

That single message lit up Altus. Within hours, two residents, Brian Bryant and Laura Oldfather, teamed up to organize a parking-lot meet-up at Altus High School and spread the word. By Wednesday evening, what started as a small drive-by greeting had become a full-blown birthday parade.

Trucks, semis, cars, and even bikers rolled through, horns blaring and lights flashing. The Altus Police Department guided traffic while Altus EMS, the Fire Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and the Warren Volunteer Fire Department proudly led the way. Some vehicles carried balloons and banners, others fired confetti into the air, and gifts kept pouring in. The biggest gift of all was the look on 10-year-old Izaiah’s face, full of pure joy from start to finish.

Tracey is Izaiah’s grandmother and adoptive mom and she shared more about his incredible journey.

“Izaiah was born with spastic quad cerebral palsy. He was born at 28 weeks and weighed a little over two pounds. My husband and I have raised him since he was five months old. We’re the only Mama and Papa he knows. He’s in fourth grade and loves loud vehicles and helping Papa mow the yard. He’s a happy boy despite his struggles, and he loved every minute of that parade.”

For the community, this birthday was more than a drive-by. It was a reminder of what makes Altus special. When someone needs joy, comfort, or a reason to smile, this town always shows up.

Sometimes the best moments are the ones that happen unexpectedly. You cannot plan for them, but when they come together, they show the true heart of Altus. This is what community looks like — compassion, connection, and kindness in motion.


A large group of Altus community members gathered with their trucks in the Altus High School parking lot before joining a birthday parade for a local boy.A large group of Altus community members gathered with their trucks in the Altus High School parking lot before joining a birthday parade for a local boy.A large group of Altus community members gathered with their trucks in the Altus High School parking lot before joining a birthday parade for a local boy.

An Altus EMS ambulance and fire truck parked along a sunny street with community members gathering nearby for a birthday parade.An Altus fire truck parked along a sunny street with community members gathering nearby for a birthday parade.Trucks line up for a local birthday parageOff-road vehicles lined up in a parking lot during sunset as part of a community birthday parade gathering in Altus.motorcycles lined up in a parking lot during sunset as part of a community birthday parade gathering in Altus.Two members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department stand with a smiling woman during the community birthday parade in Altus.
A young boy dressed in black sits smiling in his wheelchair surrounded by colorful birthday presents, balloons, and decorations outside his home.Family and Neighbors stand outdoors holding bright signs and gifts while visiting to celebrate a young boy’s 10th birthday.