Wish Stories

JJ's Bicycle Wish Grant

MAY 28, 2005

Like most Wish Children of Make-A-Wish® Philippines, when we first met JJ, he was a bit timid and shy at first. JJ is an 8-year-old boy who has non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of leukemia that occurs mostly in adults. In his interview by the foundation's Wish Referrals Director, Amor Herrera, JJ's most ardent wish is to have his very own bicycle. Once a wish team was assigned up with him, it was just a matter of time before JJ and his family will have a special wish grant wherein not only will he get his wish, but he and his family will spend a day of fun and laughter.

On the initial visit of the Wishteam on May 14, he was happily eating his Jolly Spaghetti while slowly revealing himself to the volunteers. This is mainly done to make sure that JJ will feel comfortable with the volunteers in his group. Through this initial contact, the volunteers got an idea of what he enjoys doing and through that, the Wishteam was able to conceptualize his wish grant. This is a vital part of the wish granting process because the foundation does not only give the wish item, but it makes sure that it will be a special occasion that infuses hope and strength to its Wish Children. JJ's wish for a bicycle came about when he first borrowed his cousin's bike. He liked it so much that he wanted one of his own. Just like any boy his age JJ enjoyed going to video arcades and play his favorite videogame, Streetfighter. He also shared with the wish team that his favorite actors are Robin Padilla and Rayver Cruz. When asked what he wanted to be when he grows up, JJ said that he wanted to become a soldier. Initially though he wanted to become a teacher. Our volunteers were also surprised to know that JJ didn't stop going to school despite his frequent chemo sessions. Considering how some kids think that going to school is such a chore, this served as a lesson. It's very inspiring to see that in the midst of all the chemo sessions, JJ still went to school.

After this initial visit, the wish team were very inspired with different creative ideas to make JJ's wish granting day tailor-fit him, they got right down to work. The Wishteam searched for sponsors for JJ and were able to present JJ with a Wish Grant he and his family will never forget.

The special day was held on May 28. Everything was ready and everyone was excited, but no one was more excited than JJ. Initially the plan was to go to the arcade where JJ and his friends could play video games together. The Wishfamily arrived later than planned so the Wishteam, moved around their agenda and made sure that everything was in order in spite of the delay. Situations like this are unavoidable, our Wishteams are very flexible and work well under situations like these due to their experience in last minute changes. The first thing the wish team did was feed JJ and his family. Jollibee Quezon Theater Cubao Branch agreed to sponsor JJ's wish grant. Aside from JJ and his family, the volunteers too were overwhelmed with the preparations made by Jollibee. A cake was perched up on the center table and gifts and party favors lined the surrounding tables. We were also surprised to learn that ALL Jollibee mascots will be present during JJ's wish granting party. We were simply awed by Jollibee's generosity. JJ and his family ate heartily and enjoyed the meal that was prepared for them. To JJ's surprise and of course to the surprise of his family too, JJ had a special guest in his wish granting party, it was his favorite actor, Rayver Cruz. Rayver and JJ had lunch together, and got to know each other, although he was star struck at first, eventually they were talking like brothers. JJ, Rayver and the volunteers of the foundation joined in the games that Jollibee prepared for them and danced along with all the mascots of Jollibee. Everyone was having a great and fun time. The room was filled with laughter and smiles.

In the midst of the merriment it was time for JJ to get his wish. The first present JJ opened was a school bag sponsored by National Bookstore, considering how JJ loved going to school, the volunteers thought it would be a good idea to give him a new school bag. Not only that, school supplies were also given to JJ, which he simply loved. Rustans Coffee Marketing Department sponsored new school shoes for JJ. It may seem like this was it but JJ still has not received his wish so, Rayver then proceeded to present JJ his wish. You could see the amazement in JJ's eyes when he was given the bicycle. JJ immediately jumped on the bike and started going around. The party hasn't ended yet and JJ was all about his bike. It is at this moment when you look around the room, one sees the magic that Make-A-Wish® Philippines is known for. It is this moment when time stops, one forgets their problems, and it is during this time that the whole wish family, volunteers and most specially JJ, forget that he is sick.

JJ was so excited about his bike that he barely finished his food. Almost immediately, he was spinning it around again. The volunteers informed the family that the event is yet to be over, they still have something up their sleeves and they proceed to the video arcade. At first, the video arcade part of the wish grant was the first stop, but to make everything work out beautifully it was moved to the end. At the arcade, the volunteers gave JJ and each kid a video card for them to try every game possible. They were so surprised at this treat they didn't even know where to start. Volunteers and JJ were playing games trying to beat each others' high scores, you could hear the cheering and laughter above the bleeps and beeps.

After they were all played out, Mommy Miriam (JJ's mom) uttered her warmest ‘thank yous' countless times before leaving. And before the day ended, the volunteers received a text message from Mommy Miriam, thanking them again for their unbelievable preparation. The volunteers know how HAPPY JJ must have been during his wish grant, it was unmistakable.

Make-A-Wish® Philippines believes that a lifetime is not measured in time, but rather in happy memories. This special day of JJ will never be forgotten by the volunteers, the Wish Family and of course JJ.

TEAM 3

• Sheryll Mallari
• Angelo Barcelona
• Catherine Colmenares
• Michelle de Guzman
• Janna Jarlego
• Jessa Jimenez