JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 17, 2007 — Armando Sanchez, 8, only wanted to be able to play with the other kids in his neighborhood.
That鈥檚 not an easy thing to do, as Armando has a muscle disease that makes walking difficult. Riding a bike is out of the question.
But thanks to the combined efforts of the 51社区 Chi Omega chapter and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Armando now has the means to be mobile. On Oct. 12, the women from Chi Omega granted Armando鈥檚 wish and presented him with an electronic tricycle, among other gifts.
Total cost for the project was about $5,000.
鈥淢ake-A-Wish is our national philanthropy, so Chi Omega chapters all around the country work with Make-A-Wish,鈥� said Claire Yates, Chi Omega鈥檚 director of community service. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting. It鈥檚 a lot of hard work, but then when you see the kids, it鈥檚 completely worth it.鈥�
The Union Chi Omega chapter raised money for the project through a 5K race and a barbecue. They threw a beach-themed party for Armando at the sand volleyball court of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, with Armando鈥檚 whole family in attendance. He and his parents, Victor and Maria Sanchez, live in Medina.
After playing a few games, the Chi Omega women presented Armando with his new electronic tricycle. When he first saw it, he covered his face and cried.
鈥淗e wanted something to play with the other kids in the neighborhood,鈥� said Tawnette Baker, wish coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Memphis. 鈥淎ll the other kids have bikes and he didn鈥檛 have one and he couldn鈥檛 ride one because he can鈥檛 make his feet pedal. It鈥檒l be phenomenal for him.鈥�
Armando quickly recovered from his initial shock and took his new gift for a test drive.
鈥淭hey made him happy, because this is something he really needs,鈥� Armando鈥檚 father Victor said. 鈥淗is dream came true with this, really.鈥�