Make-A-Wish New Jersey Delivers Hope Amidst Uncertain Times

Make-A-Wish New Jersey recently granted the wish of a South Jersey child battling a life-threatening medical condition. Ten-year-old Yanielees, diagnosed with a nervous system disorder, loves to play with her brother and watch him ride around on his bike. Due to her medical condition, Yanielees is unable to ride a standard bike.

Yanielees’ wish was for a Side-By-Side Team Dual Trike - a bike with two seats so her mother, or another companion, could assist and ride along with her.

“We wished for her to have a bicycle that she could mount safely and securely so she could enjoy it just like every other child her age, alongside her brother, and with me too,” her mom Zuhey shared. “She is so happy every time she gets on it. Whenever we tell her, “let’s go outside, let’s go play,” the emotion on her face is something that is indescribable. It is an immense happiness whenever she is on that bicycle; her laughter, her emotion at being able to finally ride a bike, like she had previously watched others do, as she had always wanted to do.”

Yanielees has been able to enjoy the freedoms her new bike has provided her during the summer of 2020, a summer that has been far from normal for children everywhere, especially those with life-threatening medical conditions. With her new bike, she has created countless moments of joy and happiness that otherwise would not have been possible.

“A million thanks to Make-A-Wish, a million thanks to everyone that made this possible, including her social worker who referred us to the organization. Thank you so much to everyone that said ‘yes’ and those who helped us with this wish.”

Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983 and has granted more than 11,000 wishes to children in every county, town and municipality of the Garden State. Now more than ever, Make-A-Wish New Jersey relies on the support of a loyal and generous community to help continue to deliver hope when it is needed most. During these difficult times, Make-A-Wish faces new challenges. While wishes like Yanielees’ continue to be granted during the ongoing pandemic, other wishes that are travel-related or involve large gatherings have been postponed for the well-being of wish kids and families, due to current medical and public concerns. But the organization remains steadfast in its mission and reaffirms to the community, and most importantly to wish families – wishes are not cancelled. Hope is not cancelled.

For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey and how you can play a key role in creating hope for the future for kids like Yanielees, visit nj.wish.org.