Evan, 10, from Medford, revels in the outdoors – from playing soccer to tag to water parks and hiking. He enjoys these activities along with watching Star Wars movies and playing with LEGOs – all of which offer him a way to keep a routine despite the unpredictability of a life-threatening seizure disorder.
In November, Malden Catholic’s (MC) Make-A-Wish Club presented a check for $11,373 to Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island to provide Evan with a trip to Disney World® Resort where he rode thrilling rides including roller coasters and interacted with some of his favorite Disney and Star Wars characters. Best of all, on the trip he celebrated his birthday with his twin sister at the theme park. This will be MC’s Make-A-Wish Club’s 5th Wish in 5 years, raising over $54,000 in total.
At the ceremony, MC’s Make-A-Wish Club Co-Presidents, Clodagh Duffy and Colum Flood presented the check to Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island Community Senior Manager of Corporate and Community Partnerships, Mariama Sano. Also present at the event were Malden’s Mayor Gary Christenson, MC President John K. Thornburg, executive team members from Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, MC Make-A-Wish Club members, Club Co-Moderators, Brother Puccio and Eilish O’Brien and special guest, RJ, a MC Make-A-Wish Club recipient who received a parrot as his special wish the previous year.
According to Mariamo, “There is something very remarkable about everything the students, parents, staff have contributed at Malden Catholic to support a local child who is suffering from an illness. This contribution is a true testament to the power we have as a community when we come together for a cause.”
Over the last 5 years, Malden Catholic Make-A-Wish Club members and parents have joined together to raise money through a variety of events, including an Irish Dance, selling frozen bon bons, an ice cream social, dress down days and volleyball tournament. Individual contributors have also contributed to the wishes that were granted to children in need. “We are blessed and thankful for the commitment and dedication of our MC Make-A-Wish Club. Knowing that we can make a difference in the life of a critically ill child is truly and incredible thing,” stated John K. Thornburg, Malden Catholic President.
Since 1932, Malden Catholic has shaped emerging leaders in our community, claiming a Nobel Laureate, a Senator, two ambassadors and countless community and business heads among its alumni. Annually, graduates attend some of the nation’s most renown universities including Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, University of Chicago, Georgetown, Cornell, Brown, Tufts University, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Notre Dame, Northeastern University, Boston College and College of the Holy Cross, just to name a few. Foundational to student success is Malden Catholic’s codivisional model which offers the best of both worlds, single-gender academics during the day and integrated social and extracurricular opportunities after school. Malden Catholic is known in the community for its rigorous academics, SFX Scholars Program and award-winning STEM program. Malden Catholic curricula is designed to improve individual growth mindset, leadership principles and success outcomes along with integrating the Xaverian values of trust, humility, compassion, simplicity and zeal. https://www.maldencatholic.org
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode 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 their illness. Since 1987, the organization has granted more than 8,500 wishes for children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. massri.wish.org.