HIGHTSTOWN: Locals unite to Walk for Wishes

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — A local resident and teacher is walking in the Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes on Sunday to help a little girl’s wish come true after being inspired by a student who recently had a heart transplant.
"This is our first time participating in the Make-A-Wish walk," said Karen Haug, first grade teacher at the Walter C. Black School. "We chose this organization because of the great work that Make-A-Wish does and we felt Alliya and her family deserve a chance to experience something wonderful together."
Alliya Katz, 7, of East Windsor had her first heart transplant when she was two years old and is the inspiration behind the team.
"At an exam on May 19, she learned that all of her arteries had blockages and needed another heart transplant," Ms. Haug said. "Mom and Alliya lived at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital since May 19 until her second transplant on Sep. 8."
Her and mom returned home on Sept. 25, and she said Alliya is "doing fabulous."
"It’s the unselfish acts of others that changes people’s lives forever," she said. "We are grateful to have Alliya and her family in our lives and thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of support that kept Alliya and her family’s spirits so high during this difficult time. We live in an amazing community."
Alliya’s mom, Barbi Katz, believes that "organ donation is the greatest gift there is."
"The gift of life it gave me my daughter," Ms. Katz said. "Thank you to everyone who supported the Make-A-Wish team with their generous donations and everyone who supported use their love, prayers and happy thoughts. Everyone’s kindness has been amazing. We truly are thankful."
Alliya’s Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Such said "no one wishes for tragedy to happen, but it inevitably does."
"The angst and despair you feel when losing a loved one suddenly, can be too much to bear," Ms. Such said. "Organ donation is an amazing gift. Not only does the recipient begin to heal, but the first steps toward healing can be taken for the grieving family as well."
Second grade teacher Eva Nyman agrees.
"Not only does the recipient begin to heal, but the first steps toward healing can be taken for the grieving family as well," Ms. Nyman said. "It is wonderful for the family who donated Alliya’s heart to think we saved a little girl’s life and our child’s heart of gold beats on."
Principal Samantha Rozycki said "organ donating can make a difference in many lives."
"A special life can be saved," said Principal Rozycki. "Alliya is so fortunate to have received a heart. Our entire community is fortunate."
Walk For Wishes is a nationwide Make-A-Wish fundraiser that celebrates the thousands of wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes.
By participating in one of the 75 walks held throughout the country, you can help bring the life-changing impact of a wish to children battling life-threatening medical conditions in your community, according to its website.
"Alliya’s wish is to go to Disney World with her family," Ms. Haug said.
The event is scheduled for Central Jersey at the Samuel and Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place in Monroe on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
The adult registration fee is $25, kids and teens ages five through seventeen are $10, and children under four are free. The event will be held rain or shine.
A North Jersey Walk for Wishes was held on Sept. 27 at the Liberty State Park in Jersey City. A Walk For Wishes is scheduled down at the Jersey Shore for Oct. 19 at The Great Lawn located in Long Branch.
Each walker is encouraged to raise $100 to help support the granting of wishes for children in New Jersey. T-shirts will be provided for all pre-registered walkers. T-shirts will be available for day of registrants on a first come, first serve basis. Pre -walk refreshments will be provided. There will also be a DJ, children’s activities and more.
The goal is to raise $40,000.
As of Tuesday, $28,847 was raised, according to its website.
Karen Haug of the Haug Family team is the top fundraiser, according to the website, and has raised $10,356 as of Tuesday. Her team has approximately 81 participants and is "growing every day." The team captain is the Haug Family and Alliya is the co-captain.
"The outpouring of support from the community has been incredibly touching," Ms. Haug said.
Her children, Carly Haug, 15, and Jake Haug, 13, of East Windsor were an integral part of the organization process for our Make-A-Wish team, she said.
"They designed our shirts for the team to wear, filled orders and spread the word to their friends using social media," she said.
The Salter Family of East Windsor are neighbors of Alliya.
"Alliya is truly an amazing little girl," said Karen Salter. "Throughout this long, complicated, and unexplainable journey she continued to keep her happy and positive spirit. Alliya is an inspiration to all of us who are lucky to know her."
Alliya’s second grade teacher Beth Ferst met her this summer.
"After meeting Alliya this summer I am so excited to watch her grow and learn in our class," said Ms. Ferst. "We are all so excited for Alliya to return to school and join our class."