After waiting almost three years, on Nov. 16, Fabian P. Avalos’s wish came true. When he entered his backyard after physical therapy, Fabian found a fully enclosed shaded outdoor therapy playground of his own. It included a sandbox for creative play, two peanut balls to encourage weight bearing through his lower extremities, a mini trampoline to improve cardiovascular fitness and coordination, a bouncy ball to increase balance and stability, a bean bag toss and other games just for fun.
Family, teachers, friends, and Make-A-Wish granters joined Fabian to celebrate the completion of his playground. Even though COVID delayed his wish, Fabian’s mom says, “It was worth the wait and something the whole family will enjoy together!” When she put him to bed at the end of this busy day, she asked him if he liked his big surprise and he responded with a huge smile that never left his face.
We want to express a special “Thank You” to Midland Playground Etc. (Josh Bartlett, Jimmy Gatlin, Jared Finch, Jillian Garcia, Jordan Moore), for their generous donation of time, materials, and hard work to clear the area, install the fencing, lay the turf and hang the sail. Thanks to Cory Maya for his work on the sail. Making a wish come true takes time, work, and donations from many generous people in the community.
For those interested in making wishes come true go to www.makeawish.org to see all the opportunities available.
