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01/03/2017 11:00 PMOn Dec. 22, 13-year-old Isaac Adler of Clinton walked into his family basement for the first time in months, and what he saw was a brand new, 600 square-foot “man cave” to call his own. Adler, who suffers from a life-threatening blood disorder, was connected with Make-a-Wish Connecticut earlier this year. When he met with his wish granters to determine what his one true wish would be, Adler decided he wanted a special place to call his own, where he could play games and spend time with friends and family, even when he wasn’t feeling well.
Adler’s condition has often taken him away from the things he loves, due to treatments and the physical pain his blood disorder continues to cause. He also dreams of being an architect when he grows up, so he played an active role in the design and details of his new room. He learned about the different phases of a room makeover project, including electrical wiring, and he even took the first swing of the sledgehammer to the wall that was knocked down in order to open up the main section of his man cave.
Once the project physically was underway, however, Adler stayed out of the basement—until Dec. 22, when he was greeted by friends, family, Make-a-Wish staff and volunteers, reporters, and vendors who supported his wish.
“We are thrilled to grant Isaac’s wish, and just in time for the holidays,” said Make-a-Wish Connecticut President & CEO Pam Keough. “To see the look of joy on his face, and to know that his smile will remain with him this entire holiday season and well into 2017, is a great feeling for all of us at Make-a-Wish. It exemplifies the power of a wish.”
Thanks to the support of many members of the community, Adler’s man cave turned out exactly as he dreamed it. Love Sac donated brand new furniture for Adler to lounge in, and Clinton Paint donated time and resources to make the room pop with his favorite colors. The New England Regional Council of Carpenters also stepped in and played a major role in the layout, design, and intricate contract work that was needed to turn Adler’s basement into his dream man cave.
The room was completed with Boston Red Sox door handles, sports paraphernalia everywhere, an HD TV mounted on the wall, and even a two-hoop “Shot Clock” for him to compete against his friends on.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Connecticut grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Wish-come-true experiences can do wonders by providing a much-needed break from lengthy hospital stays and medical treatments. For more information on Make-a-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.