The first day of the new year was joyous and festive for many. For thousands of people, they took the first step toward helping others fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Easton’s Beach in Newport provided the backdrop for A Wish Come True, the oldest wish-granting organization in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and its 21st Annual Polar Plunge. Some 5,000 attendees braved the cold Atlantic Ocean, to not only be “Freezin’ for a Reason,” but to also raise funds and awareness for its mission to help children, ages 3-18, who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The organization has raised more than $73,000, initially, to continue its support of families having to deal with this difficult issue.
Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said that the event has been a mainstay for the past several years. She cited the community for its continuing support of their efforts. Many local businesses also sponsored the event, along with individual donations and outreach.
O’Leary remains hopeful that events such as this one will further their reach and get more people involved.
“Right at noon, the sun began to shine on all of us,” said O’Leary, who has been a staple at the Plunge for several years. “The outpouring of support is amazing, especially when we have the business community and the public coming out to help these brave children. There are a lot of people here showing up to get into the ocean to help the cause. We are grateful to everyone who came out to help.”
RI Laborers District Council/LIUNA served as the event’s presenting sponsor. They were so excited for the turnout and participation. “This is truly what it is all about. We are proud to support such a great organization and cause,” stated Arthur Jordan, RI Laborers Council Business Manager.
This event featured two “Wish Kids,” who will be going on a magical vacation to Florida, with their families.
Lars Reiff is a nine-year-old boy from Jamestown who wants to play and do things other boys and girls his age often do. However, he suffered a stroke that changed his and his family’s lives. Lars has been improving, with treatment and care.
Lars’s father said that the family is so thankful for the outpouring of support from A Wish Come True, and for giving Lars and his family something to look forward to.
“Lars has been a trooper since his journey began,” he said. “He is all smiles and looks forward to growing up and making a difference. Mary-Kate and her staff have been phenomenal in making this ordeal as smooth a process as possible.”
Indy Littlefield, age four, lives in Coventry, and is a young girl who was diagnosed with cancer at age three. She went through several procedures to remove a brain tumor. Within months, Indy was rushed to the ICU to deal with a stroke and three blood clots in her brain. She survived that scare, but faces a long road to recovery.
Indy’s dad, Adam Littlefield, said that the ordeal has made both Indy and her family much stronger.
“There are very few things in life that are forever special and forever sacred, forever special is fatherhood and family, what’s forever sacred is a brotherhood, it’s an unbreakable bond between friends, colleagues, and family, those you can call upon in the darkest hours or the brightest minutes…to walk into the gates of Hell together, or into the coldest elements. Today, I experienced both, in one of the most memorable and magical moments of my life. I am forever grateful for the ones who stand by me, day or night, good or bad.” Mr. Littlefield is a member of Local #1033. “Watching my brotherhood in the union support our family is truly inspiring.”
Indy looks forward to her trip to Florida, where she and her family will visit Disney. Indy looks forward to meeting Elsa from “Frozen.”
About A Wish Come True:
A Wish Come True, Inc. is a non-profit 501©(3) organization founded on October 8, 1982. Their mission is to provide wishes and resources to families with a child (ages 3-18), suffering with a life-threatening illness that lives throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut.
There is still time to help support Lars, Indy and other Wish Children, as they all deserve a magical wish in 2025!
Click here now to support magical wishes, at www.awish.org. There, visitors may also learn more about the organization, including upcoming events and how to get involved.
