A 15-year-old Virginia girl with a nervous system disorder received the key to Newport this summer as part of her Make-A-Wish experience to visit the historic city.
Isobel, a Make-A-Wish recipient from Virginia, traveled to Newport with her family — brother Jacob, 16, and parents Margaret and Phillip — to fulfill her wish to explore historic sites. The avid reader’s love of history inspired her desire to visit Newport.
Newport Mayor Charlie Holder met with Isobel and her family at Hotel Viking for a private reception, where he presented her with the key to the city.
“The opportunity to meet Isobel and her family was one of the great satisfactions in my role as Mayor of Newport,” Holder said. “Isobel is an intelligent and charismatic young lady and I have deep admiration for her and how she has handled her challenges.”
Holder told Isobel she would always have a second home in Newport as he presented the key. The teen was emotional as she accepted the honor.
During her six-day stay, Isobel toured The Breakers mansion, enjoyed afternoon tea at Hotel Viking and took a sunset cruise.
Hotel Viking, a longtime Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island supporter, hosted the family throughout their visit.
“Community is the foundation of Hotel Viking and Make-A-Wish is such an integral part of ours,” said Robin Tosto, the hotel’s director of group sales. “Every wish kid that we get to work with always leaves a mark on our Hotel Viking Family.”
Local businesses including Discover Newport, The Lobster Shack and Cutie Curls provided in-kind donations to support the wish.
Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia fulfilled Isobel’s wish in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Michael Vieira, vice president of advancement for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, said the Newport community’s response demonstrated how wishes can inspire entire communities.
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island has granted more than 10,500 wishes since its founding 40 years ago. The organization aims to grant 120 wishes between Memorial Day and Labor Day this summer.
