Camron, 16, is an energetic teenager who enjoys going out to eat and spending time with his family. He finds comfort during their time together, which helps him cope with the challenges attributed to a life-threatening neuromuscular disorder. Dreams of thrilling rollercoaster rides, sunny skies and new adventures at the Walt Disney World Resort kept him upbeat during his challenging treatments. Malden Catholic worked tirelessly over a full year to make Camron’s wish a reality.
In November 2019, Malden Catholic’s Make-A-Wish Club and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island were proud to present a check to Camron for $10,270 that sent Camron and his family to Walt Disney World Resort where he enjoyed riding the monorail, eating ice cream whenever he wanted and watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
For over a year, MC Students, parents and alumni and the greater community came together and raised money by selling decorated stars and placing them on walls across the school to inspire and motivate students along with a host of creative fundraising activities. “This served as a reminder that with a community working together, we could provide renewed hope and uplifting joy when it is needed most,” stated Lisa Cenca, Malden Catholic Girls Division Principal and program lead.
Malden Catholic’s Headmaster, John Thornburg, Principals Lisa Cenca and Bro. Thomas Puccio, Chief of Staff, Sean Hurley, Athletic Director Bill Raycraft along with the club student leaders, teachers and parents presented a check for over $10,000 to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island representatives, Hillary Muntz and Joanne Spillane. Muntz commented, “With your partnership, we were able to create moments that allowed Camron and other wish children to shift their focus from hospital visits and waiting rooms to smiles and laughter,”
Thornburg added, “At Malden Catholic, we pride ourselves in developing the whole student and this includes a strong charitable contribution program. Over their four years, students provide over 180 hours of service and learn so much by giving back to the community.” The Malden Catholic’s Make-A-Wish Club also recently announced its fundraising plans to fulfill another wish through a second donation of $10,000 at the end of 2020.
Established in 1932, Malden Catholic offers a unique Codivisional model among Catholic schools in the greater Boston area. Codivisional education is an educational model that offers children the best of both worlds, rigorous single-gender academics during the day and integrated social and extracurricular opportunities after school. As a Xaverian-inspired educational institution, Malden Catholic boasts a proud history of academic excellence and leadership. It has graduated a Nobel Laureate, a U.S. Senator, business leaders, and students who have gone on to attend Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, the University of Chicago and Georgetown in recent years. Foundational to student success is Malden Catholic’s rigorous academics, including award-winning STEM program featuring electives such as Robotics, Engineering and Design and the SFX Scholars Program.