Tiverton Fire Department, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, grant heartwarming wish to 9-year-old

The Tiverton Fire Department announced Tuesday in a social media post that they teamed up with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to help grant the wish of Rafa from Tiverton.

The department stated that “Rafa, 9, has Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS), a rare genetic leukodystrophy that affects the brain, immune system, and central nervous system. Her illness makes everyday movement and communication more challenging, yet Rafa continues to shine with determination. Rafa loves watching her brother play basketball, and now, thanks to her wish granted through Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, she can enjoy time on the court with him! Rafa wished for a half sport court of her own, featuring her favorite color – purple. On this flat space, Rafa now has a safe, accessible area in her yard for fun, independence, and building strength.”

“Rafa and her family, and all of us at Make-A-Wish, are so touched by the in-kind community support that helped make her wish come true, including Bentley Companies of Warwick, RI, which poured the concrete slab for the court, and members of Tiverton Police and Tiverton Fire who teamed up to install the court tiles. Wishes bring much-needed hope and joy to wish children and their families and to the wider community, and we’re so grateful for the outpouring of support,” said Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island Chief Advancement Officer Michael Vieira.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and its mission of granting wishes for local children with critical illnesses, visit www.massri.wish.org.