Plantsville Wish Kid’s African Safari Inspires Hope and Healing

Delaney Muccino was six-years-old when she was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder that cannot be controlled by medication. She spent much of her time at doctor’s appointments and traveling to out-of-state hospitals for long visits, taking away from precious family time with her parents, brother and sister.

That was until Make-A-Wish Connecticut granted Delaney’s wish in October of 2018 to explore the natural beauty of Africa. Her love for animals shined as she embarked on an African safari to see wild antelopes, giraffes, zebras, birds and her favorite animal - elephants. This trip was more than just a week filled with her favorite animals and stunning views, though – it was a week of family time that she, her siblings and her parents had been looking forward to ever since Delaney had been granted her wish.

Delaney’s trip to Cape Town exceeded her expectations. Though the trip was eleven days, the impact of their vacation on Delaney and her family will last a lifetime. As her mom Jill indicates, “Our memory of 2018 could have been of the many trips back-and-forth to Boston for medical appointments. Instead, our memory of 2018 is of our trip to South Africa. In Africa, we had eleven days of smiles.”

Inspired by the joy she received from her wish, Delaney initiated a fundraiser at her school to raise money for Make-A-Wish Connecticut. She organized a pajama day at Plantsville’s South End Elementary School in February of 2019 and raised $206 to be donated to the organization so that children like herself can continue to experience life changing wishes.

Between June and August, Make-A-Wish Connecticut will grant more than 90 wishes to Connecticut children, like Delaney, with critical illnesses—most will include travel. To help make their wishes come true, consider donating at ct.wish.org/summerofwishes.

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH CONNECTICUT

Make-A-Wish® Connecticut creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Together, generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers across the state currently grant nearly 250 wishes a year. Since 1986, Make-A-Wish Connecticut has granted more than 3,000 wishes to local children. For more information about Make-A-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.