I wish to have a child-sized fire truck

A smiling young child in a firefighter costume sits in a toy fire truck labeled 911—fulfilling Afik's wish to have a child sized fire truck—in front of a real fire truck decorated with balloons and an "AKIFS WISH DAY" birthday banner.

Three children dressed as firefighters spray water from a hose, guided by a firefighter in uniform, as a man kneels nearby taking a photo. Outdoors in front of a red and white building with plants, they bring Afiks wish to have a child sized fire truck to life.

Akif was born with Down syndrome and that was only the beginning of this nine year old’s journey. Akif had increasing difficulty walking, up to the point where he could no longer stand up. After weeks of testing, doctors confirmed that he had leukemia. To date, Akif has undergone a bone marrow transplant and three cycles of intensive chemotherapy, with each cycle draining him more than the last.

As soon as he arrived at the fire station, he was given his own little firefighter uniform and was sworn in as part of the brigade. With the sounding of the alarm, Akif was on his way to put out his first fire and had a day full of activities as a firefighter-in-training. As the day drew to a close, Captain Akif was presented with a room full of his gifts that included his own little fire truck. Akif’s parents firmly believe that Akif’s wish has brought him not only joy, but the courage to continue in his treatment journey.

I wish to have a child-sized fire truck

“Together we make the impossible, possible.”