Make-A-Wish New Jersey was joined by local businesses and the Ramtown Fire Company to make Dakota Schick’s dream of getting a pool in his backyard a reality this summer. During the dog days of summer it is normal for youngsters to want to take a dip in a pool. In this regard and most others, Dakota Schick, 10, of Howell, is no different from other children.
However, everything changed for the Schick family when Dakota began fighting a malignant tumor in his thyroid gland about six months ago.
His case was referred to Make-A-Wish New Jersey, which along with the assistance of the Ramtown Fire Company and local pool stores, made the youngster’s wish come true.
In July, contractors began installing an above-ground pool at the Schick home. The pool was funded through in-kind donations from Cayman Pools and Spa, Allentown, and Central Jersey Pools, Freehold Township.
While Dakota was pleased with his new, but empty pool, his enthusiasm became euphoria when two trucks from the Ramtown Fire Company arrived to fill the pool.
Ramtown Fire Chief Bob Nichols said the fire company was happy to help.
“Members of the Ramtown Fire Company were eager to assist in Dakota’s wish,” Nichols said. “We were very happy to see him surprised and excited as he saw us arrive, and helping him fill his pool was the highlight of the day for all of us.”
Dakota was enthused with the efforts that were made to grant his wish.
“I really love to swim, and I really, really love this pool,” he said.
His mother, Vanessa, said the pool has had a tremendous impact on her son.
“That smile hasn’t left Dakota’s face since installation began,” she said. “We will never forget Dakota’s wish being granted and everyone who helped.”
In a statement, Tom Weatherall, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, praised the township and said Dakota’s wish was granted as the result of a community-wide effort.
“Granting children’s wishes is a rallying point for people around the community,” Weatherall said. “A wish experience has a magical way of unifying people around the common cause of bringing hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. That is certainly highlighted in this instance, as we saw members of the community come together to help make Dakota’s wish come true.”
According to Lindsey Pritzlaff, director of communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey, Dakota was referred to the organization by a social worker at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he receives his treatment.
Volunteers from the wish-granting organization met with the Schick family to learn about Dakota’s wish after receiving medical clearance from his doctors to do so. Upon learning about the child’s desire for a pool, Pritzlaff said, the organization began reaching out to the Howell community for help.
“The response was overwhelming,” she said. “The pool was funded through in-kind donations and the Ramtown Fire Company also jumped at the opportunity of helping us exceed all expectations when granting Dakota’s wish.”
Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted more than 7,1000 wishes since its inception, according to a press release.