Make-A-Wish Central New York held a special multi-wish reveal, made possible by the generous support of Camping World, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
SYRACUSE, NY ― At noon on Friday, the excitement at Camping World’s Syracuse facility was palpable. Five children, ranging in age from 3 to 16, waited in the wings as their wishes were about to be granted. After a year of health challenges and COVID restrictions, the much-anticipated day was filled with what the kids and their families needed most – happiness, fun, and a sense of joyful
normalcy.
Each of the five children – 16-year-old Angeliese Parrilla of Syracuse, 6-year-old Callin Mack of Sterling, 3-year-old Carley Guile of Greene, 14-year-old Delanie Zimmer of Liverpool, and 10-year- old Madyson Siddall of Watertown – had wished for a camper. Camping World provided big discounts on five 28-foot 2021 Gulf Stream Enlighten 25BH campers, and Excellus BCBS covered expenses for wish enhancements and basic start-up equipment for the campers, including weight
distribution and anti-sway hitches.
As the families enjoyed a cookout on Camping World’s back patio, representatives from Make-A-Wish, Camping World and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield called them to the building’s front portico one at a time.
First up was Delanie, whose nervous system disorder causes seizures and tumors. Then came Madyson, who last year received a stem cell transplant and endured a seven-month stay in the hospital. Then Carley who is fighting leukemia, and Callin who has endured multiple surgeries for a brain tumor. The final presentation was to Angeliese who is living with congenital heart disease.
Camping World General Manager Kurt Schroeder joined representatives from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, who addressed each child and shared a special gift to accompany the camper. On hand were Central New York Regional President Mark Muthumbi, Utica Regional President Eve Van de Wal, Director of Communication Eastern Markets Aida Byrne, and Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance and Risk Officer Lisa White, who also serves as Chair Elect for Make-A-Wish Central New York’s Board of Trustees.
Following the presentations, each camper was pulled to the back of Camping World, where families were taught how to operate, hook up and enjoy.
“Words alone cannot express our gratitude to our friends at Camping World and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield,” said Make-A-Wish Central New York President and CEO Diane Kuppermann. “It’s only through partnerships like these that we’re able to grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes for all of the medically eligible children waiting right now.”
Make-A-Wish Central New York grants life-changing wishes to critically ill children within a 15-county region of New York state. For more information about the organization, including how to donate, volunteer or make a referral, please visit cny.wish.org or email info@cny.wish.org.
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