I wish to have a child-sized fire truck
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.
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we need you to help us make every wish come true, just like Akif’s.
Jessica Curran is Digital Marketing Manager at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organisation in 2020 after 2.5 years at Make-A-Wish Ireland. Jessica is responsible for planning and executing social media content across all major platforms. Additionally, she oversees Make-A-Wish International’s external website, ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with our mission.