Nakeem’s Revolutionary Wish
In many ways, Nakeem is very much a modern-day teenager. He loves Marvel movies, eating sushi and pizza, playing video games, and has even earned a first-degree black belt in Mixed Martial Arts.
But although he’s living in the 21st century, his heart lies much farther in the past. In addition to riding his bike and swimming at the beach, Nakeem is a total history buff!
Stories of wars and other fascinating events keep him spellbound, but despite all his reading, something was missing. “All I wanted to do was experience the battlefield,” Nakeem said. “And drumming. Drumming was the most important thing.”
It was this curiosity that grew into a full-fledged wish: to participate in a Revolutionary War reenactment!
For kids like Nakeem, daily life can feel a lot like being on a battlefield. In 2013, at seven years old, he woke up unable to hear. What followed was a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments to get to the bottom of his hearing loss.
Two years later, Nakeem found out he had Stage 2 sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is a multi-system inflammatory disease, characterized by small growths known as granulomas. When these granulomas grow around the auditory vestibular nerve, the results can be severe. In Nakeem’s case, this results in difficulty breathing and regulating his body temperature as well as sudden bilateral hearing loss.
Nakeem eventually received a cochlear implant to help him communicate, but dealing with the symptoms of sarcoidosis was a tough battle. However, they were no match for Nakeem! This warrior was ready to step onto the battlefield to show everyone what a real soldier looks like.
On April 25, 2022, Nakeem was greeted by the Sons of the American Revolution, who presented him with an official certificate and medal. Later that night, he and his family were on a plane to Virginia!
His trip started out in Colonial Williamsburg, where Nakeem was immersed in history. Surrounded by Revolutionary War-era clothes and buildings, the family felt like they had stepped back in time. His tour included the Governor’s Palace, the George Wythe House, courthouse, taverns, and more.
Nakeem’s journey continued with visits to many other historical sites in the area, such as Jamestown, Yorktown, and George Washington’s private home, Mt. Vernon. It was this last location that Nakeem would finally get to experience his wish.
The day started with a drumming lesson, as this was a crucial piece of the puzzle for Nakeem’s wish. Historically, military drummers helped soldiers march in step and also used drum beats to communicate orders between the officers and their troops.
Outfitted with a historical military costume, Nakeem definitely looked the part and the sound of the drums, cannons, and muskets made it feel like he had stepped back in time. “It made me feel like I really am a real soldier now.”
Although the “British troops” put up a good fight, the American Patriots ended up winning a decisive victory, all thanks to Nakeem! He was formally enlisted in the 1st Virginia Regiment and received a commemorative coin to mark the occasion.
“I was exhausted after that, but [...] I wanted to go back onto the field again."
When asked about his desire to reenact a Revolutionary War battle, Nakeem talked about his admiration for George Washington. His decisive leadership during the war and subsequent election to the presidency made him America’s first hero.
However, in our eyes, it’s Nakeem that’s the hero.
According to his mom, Natasha, Nakeem was very shy before his wish experience and didn’t spend a lot of time with his friends. But now, he’s a celebrity in the War Reenactment world!
His spirit and bravery is obvious to everyone who meets him, and he’s even been invited to take part in other war reenactments. After receiving his wish, Nakeem has found a new sense of confidence in himself that he is ready to share with the world.
For Nakeem and other critically ill children, a wish is more than a fun trip or a photo opportunity, it’s a way of making their world—and their hearts—a bit brighter.
For our wish kids, feeling hopeful about the future is just as important as successful medical treatment. In fact, many of these heroic kids list their wish experience as the turning point in their recovery.
If you’re looking for a way to give back to the children in your community who need it most, please consider donating or volunteering to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. Your support is crucial in changing the lives of critically ill children.