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Jasper is a playful two-and-a-half-year-old who loves puzzles, dinosaurs and trucks. Diagnosed with myopathy, a life-threatening neuromuscular disease, the amount of time he spends on his favorite activities is limited, but his positive attitude always keeps a smile on his face. Seeking a welcome escape from the challenges of his illness, Jasper wished to have a play structure with a clubhouse.
Recently, the Make-A-Wish Club at Malden Catholic (MC) presented a check for $7,340 to Make-A-Wish®Massachusetts and Rhode Island to create and build Jasper’s playset. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island Special Events Coordinator Hilary Muntz were onsite for the ceremony along with the MC Make-A-Wish Club members.
After seeing his customized playset for the first time, Jasper was amazed by its exciting features and the possibility for adventure. From the swings to relax on to the monkey bars to help him exercise to a slippery slide, Jasper was thrilled by this new world of exploration. As his mother reflects, “I am (and pretty sure I always will be) moved to tears when I look at the play structure. It’s so much more than a play structure – it’s proof that Jasper is a warrior and he can’t be held back.”
During the 2020-2021 academic year, MC students and parents came together and raised money through a variety of events, candy grams and product sales to make his wish come true. “This served as a reminder that with a community working together, we can provide renewed hope and uplifting joy when it is needed most,” said MC Headmaster John Thornburg. “Our MC Make-A-Wish Club is also actively pursuing the fundraising plans to fulfill a fourth wish in 2022.”
