Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health’s K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, received a PlayStation game console and large screen HD television from Make-A-Wish New Jersey beneficiary Niko Picchierri and his family; mom and dad Diane and Paul, and sister Taylor, of Howell.
Niko is battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma and recently went back into active chemotherapy treatment for the second time at the children’s hospital, according to a press release from the medical center.
His wish was for an online shopping spree; he wanted to get electronics of his own, including a brand new PlayStation, a new Mac laptop and a new iPhone. However, Niko knew he also wanted to take the opportunity to give something back to the hospital that took care of him during treatments, according to the press release.
“I am positive our pediatric patients will love the new game console and large screen TV,” said Annamarie Cutroneo, vice president, Operations and Support Services, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, who accepted the gifts along with physicians and nurses from the children’s hospital.
“We are grateful for Niko’s thoughtful and generous gifts. What an extraordinary young man to think of others as part of his wish,” she said.
Niko and his family often discussed how impactful additional items would be for children in active treatment, so Niko made sure to dedicate some of his wish funds to purchase the items, which will be installed at the children’s hospital for its pediatric patients, according to the press release.
“Moments like this remind us of not only how resilient and courageous our wish kids are, but also how selfless they are, too,” Make-A-Wish New Jersey President and CEO Tom Weatherall said.
“Niko has had to face the devastating realities of a life-threatening medical condition and he is now bravely facing it again. Niko chose to set aside a part of his wish to give to other kids who might need a smile. Acts of kindness like Niko’s inspire us and the community daily.
“In September our organization surpassed a global milestone – 500,000 wishes granted since our mission began in 1980. These wish children are most often referred to us by their medical teams.
“How grateful we are to partners like K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital for the care they give to kids like Niko and for referring their patients to our mission.
“While wishes involving travel have been postponed for the health and safety of our wish families, wishes like Niko’s are being granted every day across the country and around the world. Wishes are not cancelled. We will continue to provide hope to kids when they need it most,” Weatherall said.
