19th Annual Polar Plunge in Newport Happens on New Year's Day

The holidays should be a time of joy, wonder and excitement. There are many reasons to be happy with the coming of a new year and the promise it brings. Exchanging gifts, sharing memories and attending parties are some of activities on the list for most people.

For other families, the season offers a different perspective. Some may be struggling to survive, or they might be dealing with a financial or health-related crisis. They are unsure what the next day brings, let alone the future. Those families need a helping hand.

That is the case for two “Wish Kids” and their families who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Thanks to the efforts of the Warwick based non-profit organization A Wish Come True, Rylie, a 14-year-old from Warwick, and Mark, a 13-year-old from Seekonk, MA, are looking to embark on a trip of a lifetime.

Both teenagers and their families will be traveling to Florida to visit Disney and Sea World. It’s a way to make positive memories, share family time and get away from the daily grind of their respective situations. The trips are the result of A Wish Come True Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary, her staff and the generous donations from the community.

“Rylie, Mark and their respective families have gone through so much. We are grateful for the continued support of our friends and businesses throughout the area for making dreams like these possible,” said O’Leary. “No child or family should ever have to face this type of ordeal alone. These kids are brave beyond their years. Their resilience shows through with each day.”

Rylie (last name withheld) from Warwick was a healthy young woman who enjoyed horses, Disney Princesses and the theater. That changed this past March. While at Hasbro Children’s Hospital to treat a kidney infection, doctors discovered lesions on her liver and intestines.

After several procedures and biopsies, Rylie is getting back to doing the things she enjoys. Planning this wish has been a wonderful diversion for lies ahead for the family, including her parents, Lynne and Rodney.

“First and foremost, we want to  thank you for all of the support your organization has provided Rylie and to us,” Lynne said. “We met awesome families that had nothing but amazing things to say about everything you do. The entire mood of our house has changed since learning Rylie will be granted a wish. It’s like the dark cloud has lifted. Thank you again for all you do. We appreciate it very much!”

Mark (last name withheld) from Seekonk is a young man who devotes his time to playing video games and playing flag football. He was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at two weeks old. He has had more hospital stays, treatments and surgeries than anyone—adult or child—should have to undergo. Still, his upbeat and positive attitude has paid dividends.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair for over a month, Mark got healthy enough to start playing flag football and has a happy outlook on his future.

“The opportunity you have given our family is truly amazing. We are very thankful and we appreciate you and A Wish Come True so much. I see all you do for each family, and I am so happy. We look forward to supporting your efforts,” said Mark’s mother, Janaina.

Mark is currently on the waiting list for a bone marrow transplant. He looks forward to the sights and sounds of Florida and sharing them with his family.

Both families are among the numerous beneficiaries to the upcoming 19^th Annual A Wish Come True Polar Plunge. The event happens at Easton’s Beach in Newport on New Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1, 2023). Monies raised will help children ages 3-18 battling life-threatening illnesses.

The event runs from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM. There will a pre-event buffet and post-plunge reception for participants and guests at Rejects Beer Company, 124 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown.

There are several ways the public can help, according to O’Leary. Sponsors can help financially starting at $100 with a “Freezin’ for a Reason” level with other sponsors for $250 (Polar) $500 (Bronze) $1,000 (Silver) $2,500 (Gold)  and $5,000 (Presenting) with accompanying benefits at each level. Most importantly it provides a chance for people to attend and have a great time. Plungers will be encouraged to give $20 to take the big plunge. In addition, there will be T-shirts, towels and blankets for sale. Teams are encouraged to register online at www.awish.org. The team that raises the most money receives a trophy!

Special Thanks to this year’s Presenting Sponsors The Cav Restaurant and Cox Media, plus Gold Sponsor Purvis Systems & Crew Remodeling.

For those who are unable to attend but want to help, AWCT has two outlets for people to donate. They can either go to Venmo and give at @awishcometrue or visit www.bidpal.net/19thannualpolarplunge to make a pledge.

About A Wish Come True

A Wish Come True, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization founded on October 8, 1982. Their mission is to provide wishes and resources to families with a child (ages 3-18), suffering with a life-threatening illness that live throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

For more details about the event and/or the organization, please visit their website at www.awish.org. Or, feel free to contact Mary-Kate O’Leary either by phone at 401-781-9199, directly at 401-644-2237 or email at: marykate@awishcometrue.org