Every child wants to grow up to do something special. Their parents often provide as much support as possible to realize their potential. Sometimes, however, those hopes and dreams can take a backseat to the realities of life. Those families then have a singular purpose to ensure the health and well-being of their offspring. This is often when they can use some help.
A Wish Come True, the oldest wish-granting organization in Rhode Island, Massachusetts. and now serving Eastern CT, strives to grant wishes and provide needed resources to families that have a child, aged 3-18, who is battling a life-threatening illness.
Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said that the programs are meant to ease the burden of families who are facing a difficult challenge, and grant a magical wish of a lifetime for the entire family.
“We are here not only to provide comfort and outreach, but to also give the families a much-needed boost to their morale,” she said. “No parent should have to be put in this situation. When they are, though, A Wish Come True is ready and able to address the issues with them. They never have to go through this process alone.”
Events are held throughout the year to bring communities together in support of their local “Wish Kids”. The goal of each event is to share the stories, the dreams and the smiles that are a result from the granting of a magical Wish or supporting a family along this difficult journey.
Besides attending events, companies and individuals are encouraged to sponsor, donate, and volunteer their services to spread the message.
“Weekend of Wishes” includes two fundraisers in Bristol County, MA:
- The A Wish Come True Shamrocks and Shenanigans Event
This annual Fundraiser will once again take place at The Venus de Milo, 75 GAR Highway (Rte. 6), in Swansea, on Friday, March 14, from 6:00 PM until 10:30 PM. Apollo Safety of Fall River is the event’s Presenting Sponsor. https://www.apollosafety.com/about. Last year over 500 people were in attendance.
The festivities will feature dinner, dancing, a raffle, and live auction, with music provided by the
Back in the Day Band https://www.backinthedayband.org/.
“This dance brings the Bristol County Community together to support local Wish kids,” said O’Leary.
Shamrocks and Shenanigans Wish beneficiaries include:
BAILEY – 3 year old boy from East Bridgewater , MA
- Illness: Unilateral Retinoblastoma
- Magical Wish: Visit Give Kids the World and Disney
In August 2023, just a few weeks before his second birthday, Bailey was diagnosed with left eye retinoblastoma. His journey began when his mother noticed his left eye changing to a darker shade of blue. Trusting her instincts, she took Bailey to the doctor, where they were referred to Boston Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. It was there that Bailey’s family received the difficult news of his diagnosis. Due to the size of his tumor, Bailey underwent enucleation and now has a prosthetic eye. He’s adjusting well, thanks to his incredible spirit and the love of his family.
KAREEM – 11-year-old boy from New Bedford, MA
- Illness: Cerebral Palsy
- Magical Wish: Go on a Disney Cruise
Kareem was born with cerebral palsy after an emergency C-section. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he stayed for three weeks. In his 11 years, he has had many treatments, like ear tubes, eye surgery to fix his crossed eyes, and Botox shots to help him walk. In September, he had surgery to put screws in his knees. He visits the doctor every six months to check on his health.
More details, including tickets, may be found by visiting this link:
https://www.awish.org/2025-shamrocks-and-shenanigans
- Wish Hats for Wishes
A month-long event will coincide with the Shamrocks and Shenanigans event. Wish Hat sales run from February 15 to March 17, at participating Bars and Restaurants in MA, & some in RI (list TBA). Last year, over twenty-two restaurants, bars, and businesses participated in hat sales to support these kids.
“Wish Hats” will be sold and displayed at participating establishments. Minimum donation is $1.00 per hat, and all proceeds will be given to A Wish Come True. This tradition has been carried on for close to thirty years by numerous volunteers in the Fall River area, led by Jimmy Cavanaugh and Paul Faggioli. “The commitment and love that Jimmy and his amazing group of volunteers have for helping make magical wishes happen is incredible,” stated Mary-Kate. “It is not often that an entire weekend of fundraising is focused on one mission, and we are happy to say we know that this community knows how to make a difference.”
The beneficiaries of this year’s Wish Hat sales are:
MADISON – 16 years old from Westport, MA
- Illness: Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy
- Magical Wish: Have a Sloth Encounter in Tennessee
Madison is an identical twin who lost her sibling at 31 weeks. Tragically, this caused Madison to have a stroke in utero, leading to her being born with cerebral palsy. She has 40% brain damage, and was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2009.
LOGAN – 16 years old from Fall River, MA
- Illness: Epilepsy
- Magical Wish: Visit Give Kids the World and Disney
Logan had his first seizure in 2022. Last July, Logan had a severe seizure that lasted over 15 minutes, and caused him to stop breathing. As Logan is only able to communicate via sign language or with his communication device, this just adds to his struggles. He needs assistance with everyday basic needs, such as eating, bathing, and dressing.
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 live throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut.
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 become more involved. For more information on ways to help please contact Mary Kate O’Leary, Executive Director at marykate@awishcometrue.org.
