‘He really needed a friend’: Make-a-Wish delivers puppy to 6-year-old- battling leukemia – My Central Jersey

Mary Ann Bourbeau, Correspondent Published 5:00 a.m. ET Oct. 17, 2020

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Although hes just 6 years old, Alexis Fiallos has battled leukemia most of his life.

He was being treated in his home country of Ecuador, but the hospital was far away, making it impossible for his parents to care for the family dog. They were forced to give the dog to a neighbor, which broke Alexis heart since, as an only child, his dog was his best friend.

Just as Alexis was nearing the end of his treatment, the leukemia returned. In October 2019, his parents, Manuel and Martha Fiallos, moved to the United States to pursue other medical options because doctors in Ecuador offered little hope. The family settled in Plainfield, and Alexis was admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he began a new chemotherapy regimen. He went into remission, but nine months later, they learned the leukemia had returned.

Alexis with his parents, Manuel and Martha Fiallos and his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Through it all, this energetic boy never lost faith that he would one day enjoy life like a child should. His parents say he is a great example of perseverance and bravery, and never gives in to his bad days. Now, as he faces a more aggressive chemotherapy and awaits a bone marrow transplant, his one wish was to have a puppy again.

Thats where Make-A-Wish New Jersey came into the picture. Several weeks ago, they organized an event at the gazebo in Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield, where they surprised Alexis with a puppy.

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Between battling cancer and the pandemic, his social life has pretty much been taken away, said Michael P. Dominick, director of communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Alexis is doing well, but hes still in the fight. He really needed a friend.

Alexis parents brought him to the park straight from a chemotherapy appointment. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a large sign that read, Wish Granted. Then he met his new best friend, a 2-month-old Shih Tzu named Kale.

Theres nothing better than seeing the faces of these children when their wish is granted, said Dominick. Kale is a lap dog, which is perfect for a 6-year-old kid who comes home from treatment and really needs a hug.

Alexis with his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Alexis was overwhelmed by the sight of his new puppy, along with boxes of gifts including toys, treats, a leash, bowl, crate and other necessities. Make-A-Wish also is donating funds to assist with Kales care for the first year.

Alexis has been in treatment for four years and four months, his mother said through a translator. Hes an only child, so hes very lonely. He was sad that he had to leave his dog behind. Thank you for making my sons wish come true!

Kale was donated by PuppySpot of Jersey City, a company with a mission to make lives better by placing healthy puppies into happy homes. They often partner with organizations such as Make-A-Wish.

This is the best part of my job, said PuppySpot CEO Jonathan Cherins, who attended the event in Spring Lake Park. You can be a for-profit company and still do good. Im happy to make as many wishes come true as I can.

Alexis and his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for critically ill children ages 2 to 18, delivering hope when they need it most. The organization believes a wish can be the spark that helps a child believe anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses.

Since 1980, the privately funded organization has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide. The New Jersey chapter, based in Monroe, grants about 600 wishes each year.

Our mission is to deliver hope, strength and joy, said Dominick.

A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for a bone marrow transplant for Alexis. To donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/f/alexis-fiallos.

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'He really needed a friend': Make-a-Wish delivers puppy to 6-year-old- battling leukemia - My Central Jersey