Good Things
By Maria Angeles LinaresThis story began at the end of 2016. As is customary, the Waiting List work stream submitted their nominees to the Wish Book. One of those nominees was Angelina Serna, a 10-year-old diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and seizures. In some cases, the seizures come on so suddenly she has collapses in a heap on the floor. They strike so quickly that she must now wear a helmet all the time to protect her head. However, Angelina won’t wear just any helmet; she has a special pink helmet! Angelina has two sisters, Sidney and Lyndsay, who have learned that when Angelina has a seizure, their job is to look at the clock and call time. If Angelina’s seizures have not stopped after 2 minutes, Mom must give her a shot, and if it continues for 4 minutes, 911 must be called. All hands on deck!
Angelina’s wish was for a new car and a new place to live. The family’s car was old, unreliable, and a gas guzzler, usually breaking down at the most inconvenient time. The family is on the list for government-assisted housing and hope they will soon be selected. The home they currently rent is on the market and will eventually be sold.
They say that good things come to those who wait, and this family has been waiting for a very long time. It would take 6 months of hard work on the part of the Wish Book, but as usual, they came through. On Thursday, June 20, 2017, Wish Book and Braman Kia presented Angelina, her sisters, and her mother with a brand new 2017 Kia Forte in Angelina’s favorite color, blue!
It was a great day for all concerned. The family couldn’t contain their excitement and joy. They were finally going to have a dependable and economical vehicle.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities wishes to thank the Miami Herald Wish Book and Braman Kia for their commitment to the population we serve and their boundless generosity. It is truly beautiful to see people and organizations come together to help those less fortunate. THANK YOU!
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities wishes to thank the Miami Herald Wish Book and Braman Kia for their commitment to the population we serve and their boundless generosity.
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