Community Corner
Community comes together to celebrate a wish come true for teenage Make-A-Wish recipient
As the holidays drew near, members of the New Haven community came together to create a very special celebration for sixteen-year-old Kassandra Rodriguez. Kassandra, who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, was to become one of the newest recipients of a wish from Make-A-Wish Connecticut, a non-profit organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Kassandra’s one true wish was to meet her favorite musician and idol, Drake. For Kassandra, meeting Drake would be the uplifting experience she needed during a time of struggle, filled with doctors, hospitals and medical treatments.
On a cold night in December, Kassandra returned to her home in New Haven to a crowd gathered in front her house. As Kassandra came closer to the house, music began to play. Dancing in her driveway to the music of Drake was the Double Up Dance Group. Kassandra watched in awe, and perhaps a bit of confusion, trying to make sense of the surprise and impromptu flash mob. At the culmination of their performance, Make-A-Wish volunteers emerged from the crowd with balloons and announced to the gathering crowd that Kassandra’s wish had been granted – she’d be meeting Drake in just one short week.
Find out what's happening in Trumbullwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Kassandra was speechless. She had always known deep in her heart that someday her wish would come true, but to receive the news in such a surprising celebration only added to the anticipation and excitement.
The rest of the evening became a party with Kassandra as the guest of honor. Food and beverage was graciously donated by Taste of New Haven, Modern Pizza and Katalina’s Cupcakes. Music played, photos flashed, and Kassandra felt like a star.
Find out what's happening in Trumbullwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I was shocked, I didn’t know what to say,” said a stunned and thrilled Kassandra.
“To see members of the community come together and make Kassandra’s wish reveal so unique is an inspiration to all of us at Make-A-Wish,” commented Michael Dominick, Community & Media Relations Manager at Make-A-Wish Connecticut. “Wish Kids have gone through so much prior to seeing their wishes become realities, and to celebrate in such a way only makes the anticipation and overall wish experience that much grander. From Kassandra’s wish granting volunteers, to the Double Up Dance Group, to Taste of New Haven, Modern Pizza, Katalina’s Cupcakes, and everyone who made this night so special for Kassandra, we deeply thank you. This is what a wish come true is all about.”
For more information on Make-A-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.
