MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ – Bringing renewed meaning to the old adage ‘it is better to give than to receive,’ one New Jersey boy wishes to give to children receiving care at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson whose families cannot afford their necessary treatments.

The wish child’s parents have requested he remain anonymous, hoping their son learns another lesson about good deeds.

“God has asked us to do good deeds without seeking recognition and praise,” said the boy’s father.

The seven-year-old Morris County boy has a genetic blood disorder and receives treatments at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

Before declaring his fondest wish, the boy sat down with his family, imagined all his wish could be, and discussed his options.

The wish child, whose favorite color is blue, likes tennis, chocolate cake, pizza, and ice cream (but not necessarily all at the same time), may seem to be just a typical seven-year-old boy, but he is wise beyond his years.

“I know it’s important to share the gifts I receive,” said the wish child. “I wanted my wish to help others.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey will donate $2,500 in the name of the wish child to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Foundation, establishing a fund designated to assist families who cannot afford the necessary medicines for their sick children.

“We have come to know a wish is much like a pebble dropped in a still pond,” said Tom Weatherall, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. “The impact of a wish first touches the wish child and then the immediate family, and goes beyond to the extended family, the neighborhood, school, the greater community, and so on and so on.”

“And that certainly cannot be truer than in this instance, with this young boy’s wish to give,” he added.

Costs for treating a genetic blood disorder can vary greatly, but medication alone can run between $25,000 and $63,000 per year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The wish child and his family hope that his example will inspire others to give so that the fund will be sustainable.

“The generosity of this child’s wish to support other children in need at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, even while he undergoes treatment for his illness, reflects the true spirit of brotherhood while transcending all cultural lines,” stated Timothy P. Barr, Vice President for Development, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, and Executive Director, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Foundation.

“This boy is an inspirational example for all of us. A true champion, he is putting others first,” added Mr. Barr as he presented the child with a “St. Joseph’s Champion for Children” certificate recognizing the boy’s generous spirit.

The family hopes that this wish will remind people to share their blessings. Contributions to this fund can be made through the St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Foundation by calling 973.754.4400.

“There are innocent children who need help meeting their basic needs – unconditional love, food, shelter, and last but not least, appropriate medical attention,” said the boy’s father. “You can’t tell by their faces who needs this gift, but there are many who do.”

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The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted the boy’s wish Monday, February 6, 2012. Tom Weatherall (right), president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, presented the donation to Timothy P. Barr (left), Vice President for Development, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, and Executive Director, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Foundation and Jill Menell, MD, Chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. The donation will establish a fund designated to assist families who cannot afford the necessary medicines for their sick children.

About Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The New Jersey Chapter, founded in 1983, serves the entire state of New Jersey, and has granted more than 7,000 wishes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 212,000 wishes in the United States since its inception in 1980. For further information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit www.nj.wish.org.

About St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Paterson, NJ, is an acute care state designated children’s hospital known for its broad spectrum of advanced high quality pediatric services designed to meet the needs of the “whole child.” A member of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is one of the busiest centers of its kind in the state. For more information, please visit www.StJosephsHealth.org or call 877.757.SJHS (7547).