Maha’s teacher, Richard Uhsmann, got the whole school involved in surprising Maha with her wish in a big way. Working with Maha’s volunteer wish grantors, Karin Seid and Albany resident Janna Katz, Uhsmann held a surprise on Tuesday, February 7th that included the Board of Education President, among others. The school invited Maha and her classmates to come to the school lobby right before lunchtime. With the help of the school’s Best Buddies program, it was decorated in Italian colors and flags. Members of the San Francisco Opera Chorus sang an aria from Tosca in Maha’s honor, and presented her with autographed sheet music, and there was even be a balloon drop.
Local businesses got in on the surprise as well. Zarri’s, a local deli, is donating Italian delicacies, Little Star Pizza on Solano and Caravaggio Gelateria donated gift cards, and the owner of The Nail Shop on Solano offered Maha a free manicure.
After celebrating with classmates, Maha headed back to her classroom, with her mother, aunt, and cousin to continue the celebration. Janna Katz and the Make-A-Wish volunteer team gave Maha a guidebook, calendar and a map of Rome to help her prepare and build excitement for March 28th, which is the day she departs for her trip along with her mother, aunt and cousin.
About Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area:
Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In 2017 Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area celebrates 33 years fulfilling magical wishes. During its first year of operation, in 1984, the chapter granted 27 wishes. Now one of the largest chapters nationwide, the Greater Bay Area grants over 375 wishes per year and has granted over 7,900 wishes to date. The chapter covers 17 Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Marin, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano and Sonoma. The goal of Make-A-Wish is to grant a wish to every eligible child. Anyone can suggest a child for a wish. For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415/982-9474 or visit www.SF.Wish.org .