A story to touch medmech's heart - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 06-20-2007, 10:59 AM

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1257305.html

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By Jeannine Aquino, Star Tribune

Ten-year-old Isaac Bramer loves sports cars, and especially Ferraris. He likes all models, but if he had to pick out one for himself, it would be an Enzo. In red.

It's little wonder that Isaac chose a tour of Ferrari's headquarters in Italy as his gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota. The organization, in partnership with UnitedHealth Group, will allow Isaac and his immediate family to experience a weeklong, all-expenses paid vacation to the southern European nation.

"It's huge to Isaac," Curtis Bramer, Isaac's father, said of the foundation gift. "It's an opportunity of a lifetime that helps make up for some of the other things, at least at this point in his life, that have been taken away."

The Brooklyn Park boy's aplastic anemia was diagnosed in September. Curtis Bramer said the disease keeps his son from doing many activities that "healthy 10-year-old boys prefer to do."

MayoClinic.com describes aplastic anemia as a rare disease in which the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Frequent or prolonged infections, dizziness, fatigue and unexplained or easy bruising are among its consequences, the Mayo website said.

Isaac has since been treated at the Minneapolis Children's Hospital.

The seeds of his wish were planted in January when a child-life specialist at the clinic referred Isaac to the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Minnesota chapter. Foundation volunteers interviewed Isaac and learned of his desire to visit Italy.

Isaac recalled "bouncing off the walls" in excitement when he was told that he would be making the trip, which will be scheduled once family members get their passports in order. Isaac said thinking about the trip lifts his spirits on days when he doesn't feel so well.

Isaac was guest of honor for an event Tuesday at the headquarters of UnitedHealth Group, which is sponsoring his wish. Cake was served with "Isaac's Wish" written in the icing, along with a map of Italy and a Ferrari.

The slender, brown-haired boy was humbled and thankful for gifts he received: an Italy tour guide,a book to help him speak Italian, and a Ferrari backpack, soccer shirt, winter hat and model car.

"Thank you to all of you," he told the several dozen in attendance. "This means a lot to me."

It is the first wish sponsored by the UnitedHealth, the nation's the largest provider of health care services. It is initiating a three-year $4.5 million contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, UnitedHealth representatives said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. It granted 186 last year, a foundation chapter official said.

"It's not a death and dying organization," said foundation CEO David Williams said after Tuesday's festivities. "This is a joyful work."

Jeannine Aquino • 612-673-4146 • jaquino@startribune.com