A wish beyond dreams for Niveyah

Nicole Boucher
Posted 3/19/15

A young girl whose parents were told she would never lift her head off the pillow left Rhode Island yesterday to spend a week in Florida, thanks to A Wish Come True, Inc.

Niveyah Colantuono, …

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A wish beyond dreams for Niveyah

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A young girl whose parents were told she would never lift her head off the pillow left Rhode Island yesterday to spend a week in Florida, thanks to A Wish Come True, Inc.

Niveyah Colantuono, daughter of Warwick City Councilman Steve Colantuono, was adopted in the fall of 2012 after three-and-a-half years living with the family as a foster child. She will turn 7 later this year. Niveyah is one of many children whose wishes were granted with the aid of A Wish Come True, Inc., a Warwick-based organization that helps bring once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to ill children in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. According to the organization’s executive director, Thomas McGovern, they are able to offer “about a wish a week,” and a majority of wishes are to visit Disney World.

The trip was no ordinary vacation from the very start.

Niveyah, her parents, and her older sister, Sophie, were picked up in a limo mid-morning on Wednesday to be brought to the airport for their flight. It was Niveyah’s first plane ride, and her first distant trip with her family.

In Florida, Niveyah and her family will be staying at the Give Kids the World Village, run by the Give Kids the World organization. World Village strives to provide an environment where children with threatening illnesses from all over the country and the world can come to have their wishes to visit Disney World granted. They cater to all needs that any guests may have, to make the vacation the most enjoyable it can be for the kids and their families.

The Colantuonos had nothing but praise and extreme gratitude for A Wish Come True, Inc. and the Give Kids the World organization. Maya Colantuono explained that it was a “foreign experience” to not have to constantly try to overcome barriers with planning a vacation.

“Every little thing is a fight … we’re dealing with a child with a lot of needs.” A Wish Come True’s helpfulness and generosity has touched the lives of many.

“We haven’t even left yet and it’s already unbelievable,” Maya said yesterday as final preparations were made just before the limo arrived. Two very important items could not be forgotten: Niveyah’s Sofia the First backpack and her Pinkybear.

The send-off was hardly intimate. McGovern and Amy Simonini of A Wish Come True showed up to see the family before they left, as well as Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. Not to be forgotten during goodbyes was Rugby, the family dog, who would be staying back at the house with someone to watch him for the week. While the family is away, they hope for even more progress with renovations on their attached garage, which will be Niveyah’s new room once finished.

For a wish to be granted, someone must nominate a wish for the child, and they can do so anonymously. Lori Francisco nominated Niveyah for a wish. Francisco is a board member for A Wish Come True, Inc. After the Colantuonos were told about the nomination, they received approval from doctors, and then A Wish Come True took care of the rest to make sure everything was provided for Niveyah’s exciting vacation.

At the Give Kids the World village, special devices are used in the pool area to help kids like Niveyah have as much fun in the water as possible, even if they cannot swim. The little girl is unable to walk on her own currently, but she is “determined to.” Considering how far she has come since her first diagnosis, determination certainly seems to work.

On the seven-day trip, the family will spend three days at the Disney parks, three days at Universal Studios, and one day at SeaWorld. Speaking about the trip, including the Florida heat compared to this winter, Maya joked, “We’re not coming back.”

More information on the wishes A Wish Come True, Inc. have granted and how others can get involved can be found on their website, awish.org.

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  • Sherri

    I am so happy for Niveyah and you all! I cant wait to hear all about this trip! "Niveyah get that go talk ready!"( and to anyone who doesn't know Niveyah...She's an amazing kid that lights up your life!) Niveyah is part of my family as well! We love you Niveyah!!! Love "your Sherri" Nate, Zack and big Nate xoxo

    Thursday, March 19, 2015 Report this

  • Anamgd

    Have a wonderful trip. To a most deserving family. The Dickensons

    Friday, March 20, 2015 Report this