In early March, just days before we would enter a state-wide lockdown due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, one of the very last wishes for 2020 that would involve travel and a large gathering for any of our wish kids was granted to a Jersey City teen named Antonio.

From a young age, Antonio had set his sights on attending Duke University and becoming a member of their elite Blue Devils basketball team. Even a diagnosis of a brain tumor was not going to get in the way of that dream. When Antonio was asked to declare his wish, he knew immediately that it would be to see his Duke University Blue Devils in action, at a home game, taking on their historic rivals, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

Antonio’s life-changing weekend at Duke University would include being the guest of honor at the team meeting prior to the big game, and a one-of-a-kind cherished moment – meeting Coach K himself and joining him in escorting the team into the arena by Coach K’s side. Antonio’s wish also included a powerful moment that all those in attendance will never forget, a crowd of 9,000 fans in the arena cheering Antonio’s name as the team encircled him at center court to present him with the game ball following their win.

Fast forward from the moment of Antonio’s wish, to wish-granting amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As a team, we immediately began to find ways to pivot and continue bringing that same level of excitement and joy to other wish kids. One example - 10-year-old Neil of Bernardsville, who was born with a genetic condition, MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, and diagnosed with Moyamoya Disease a few years later.

Neil’s medical condition has left him severely disabled and medically fragile, and his family found it harder and harder to safely move him from his wheelchair to a swing – his favorite thing to do, while watching the cars drive by in front of his home. Neil’s wish was for a new, state-of-the-art swing that could accommodate him, while still in his wheelchair.

Once the swing was installed, we partnered with first responders from Bernardsville and surrounding communities, and delivered a surprise convoy of police cars, fire trucks, motorcycles and neighbors – over 200 vehicles - who drove past, holding up signs and cheering. Neil’s family shared that there are very few things in life that bring Neil joy – but that day, joy was certainly delivered.