I wish to have a Marines experience
Jamaria
nervous system disorder
Jamaria Meets His Heroes
Living with a life-threatening nervous system disorder, Jamaria is funny and sensitive and very sociable with many friends and family who adore him. Though he has had several challenging medical setbacks, he is always looking for opportunities to smile and laugh.
With a deep admiration and devotion of the U.S. Marines Corps, Jamaria expressed his wish to have an up-close experience with the Marines. According to his family, watching the Marines gives him a sense of joy and security. Working with dedicated volunteers and community partners, Make-A-Wish Illinois helped bring Jamaria’s vision to life for a truly unique experience.
Thanks to a connection made by Blue Star Families and with their support, the United States Marine Corps invited Jamaria and his family to participate in several exclusive events during Marine Week Chicago, as part of the 250th birthday celebration of the Marine Corps. Each event was special for Jamaria, culminating in this event created just for him.
He and his family, along with approximately 200 guests, gathered on the Outdoor Terrace at Chicago’s Willis Tower for a ceremony hosted by local partner GATX Corporation. With an official United States Marine Corps Color Guard, the event included the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Quantico Marine Band. With heartfelt remarks honoring Jamaria from Colonel J.J. Wilson, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 250 and Mike Warmuth, chair of the board of directors for Make-A-Wish Illinois, Jamaria’s excitement was evident as he looked around at all the uniformed Marines assembled, eyes widened to take it all in.
After the ceremony, Jamaria was eager to meet many of the Marines in attendance and take photos. Showered with gifts, hugs and kind words from Marines and other esteemed guests, he seemed to levitate with joy.
“This is all he has ever wanted,” Jamaria’s mother Nora said.
Sharing the rich traditions of the Marines and the pageantry of it all brought the community together in support of Jamaria, and he was thrilled.
“It meant the world to our family that everyone was there just for him,” Nora continued. “It was clear he felt every bit of the love and encouragement surrounding him."
NBC 5 Chicago's Regina Waldroup interviews Jamaria and his mom Nora about Jamaria's wish to have an experience with the Marines.