Zaidee and Charlie are two local children who have faced difficult medical journeys. Throughout their lives, they have endured countless days of medical proceedures and difficult news. Each of their families try to keep the moments of joy close but those moments can be hard to find. However, Mead and Niwot high school students rallied to make a difference through a week-long fundraiser to make sure kids like Zaidee and Charlie have more opportunities to have fun.
“When a wish is granted a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. But more than that, wishes actually help kids heal,” said Sarah Grosh, director of community development for Make-A-Wish Colorado.
Students at both high schools believe in that message so much they dedicated a week to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to celebrating a local child, waiting for their wish to come true.
Mead High School celebrated Zaidee, an 8-year-old girl from Loveland, who had a liver transplant within the first year of her life. According to Zaidee’s mom, Angel, Zaidee is a loving child who wants to be friends with everyone. She loves old movies and playing with one of her two sisters. Zaidee’s wish is to travel to go to Aulani — a Disney resort in Hawaii — to meet one of her favorite characters, Moana.
Niwot High School celebrated Charlie who suffers from a respitory disorder. His conditions requires daily medical treatments and leaves his body feeling less than perfect, his mother Kay said. Charlie’s dream is to meet his idol NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Charlie feels he and Silver share many of the same values especially in how they strive to treat others well, no matter what situation they find themselves in.
Both high school held an assembly in which they included the Make-A-Wish attendees and all the students from the school. They played games, listened to the bands play and let the guests of honor run several events during the assembly.
“It’s very different than any of the other events that we do,” said Sydney Bennett, senior and student body president at Niwot High School. “This is celebrating an external thing that is a great cause that brings Niwot and the school together.”
Students from both schools showed their enthusiasm and spirit by participating in restaurant fundraiser events, school fundraiser events and asking for donations from the community. Niwot’s goal is to raise $10,000 and Mead hopes to raise $12,000. Final donation counts will be determined next week.
