Make-A-Wish Gifts Boat To Sarasota Teen With Medical Conditions, Her Family

SARASOTA, FL — A water-loving Sarasota teen who has struggled with Angelman Syndrome and epilepsy was gifted a boat to enjoy with her family by the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

The organization delivered a 2022 Sun Tracker pontoon boat to Charisa, 17, and her family at Tracker Boating Center in Bradenton Saturday morning.

The boat will be an escape for the non-verbal teen and her family as she continues to deal with the medical issues that impact her daily life, Make-A-Wish said.

The teen has always loved the water and going to the beach, but these outings have become increasingly difficult for her as they trigger her sensory issues.

“The heat, sun, sand, salt water and sunscreen exacerbate the many sensory issues Charisa has and combined with an inability to produce sweat and recurring seizures, make the experience anything but a relaxing day at the beach,” Make-A-Wish said.

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The family’s new shaded pontoon boat will allow them all to enjoy their time on the water together.

Charisa’s mother told the organization that the boat is “a life-changer” for the family.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has granted more than 13,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for children who have critical illnesses. It aims to grant a wish for every medically eligible child in its territory.

The Southern Florida chapter's territory includes 22 counties within four regions in southeast and southwest Florida, the Tampa Bay area, and on the Suncoast. It also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands.