What is one thing you would wish for if you had the chance? That question no longer has to be unanswered for Joshua Chukwu, a rising eighth grader at Ridgeview STEM Junior High School.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses between the ages of 3 and 18, is helping Chukwu by granting his wish of having his own book published.
On May 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chukwu is to read from and sign copies of his new book, “Dash,” at Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way.
The story follows Dash, a boy who awakens from a mysterious dream about a pulsating orb, only to find that it is real and grants him powers that defy logic.
Chukwu, who has clear cell sarcoma − a rare, aggressive and malignant tumor that affects soft tissue − had the wish to be a published author and do a signing at his local library.
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“We are really humbled by how people are rallying behind him, and being supportive to our family,” said Colleen Chukwu, Joshua’s mother.
One special person, Joshua’s second-grade teacher, Amanda Moll, would come to the hospital and teach him lessons since he was missing school at times when he went through radiation and chemotherapy.
“Even when we’re going through treatment, people were really just taking good care of us, so that we can take care of him,” said Colleen.
To make the book-reading event happen, Make-A-Wish took the initiative.
“We were contacted by Laura Weber with Make-A-Wish,” said Colleen Bauman, executive manager of community engagement at Pickerington Public Library.
“They said that there was a young man whose wish was to become a published author. They worked with him on that end of it.”
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The profits from the book are to go into Joshua’s college fund, with a small portion being donated back to Make-A-Wish.
“It’s very humbling and it’s very exciting that he chose us,” said Bauman.
“I’m hoping to get to Pickerington for a little bit to be able to talk with Joshua and his parents,” said Stephanie McCormick, interim CEO for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
“This wish was a long time coming for various reasons. But for him to become a published author tomorrow for his book ‘Dash,’ we’re really excited about it.”
