if wishing could make it so then little Wylinn Palmisano would no longer have diabetes, but that isn’t the way it’s going to happen.
Wylinn, like everyone else who has Type 1 diabetes, hopes for a cure for the disease that will only come through research, and that takes money, lots of it. So, instead of just wishing for that cure, the Friends of Wylinn chose to help raise some of those much-needed funds by running a special gala on March 12, appropriately called The Wish Ball.
“The Wish Ball will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,” said Linda Flaherty, a friend of the Palmisano family, owners of Goodies Ice Cream Shop in Danvers Square. Flaherty introduced the idea of an elegant themed-soiree, black-tie optional, to be held at the Danversport Yacht Club. “We’re trying to create the effect of a starry night where you can wish upon a star.”
The money raised will be going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help find a cure for children like Wylinn, almost 7, and everyone else who suffers from diabetes.
Wylinn Palmisano, daughter of John and Stefani Palmisano, was diagnosed with the insulin-dependent Type 1 form of the disease in April 2008, almost three years ago, and a month before her fourth birthday on may 6. it was a wonderful day spent with extended family when suddenly the happy pleasant Wylinn turned into a cranky youngster as she started to act up.
at first everyone though it was a jealous response to a new baby until an astute aunt noticed the little girl was drinking a lot of water followed by frequent urination. she suggested a doctor’s visit as soon as possible. it was good advise. sure enough, Wylinn was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and immediately received the first injection of the insulin that would always be part of her life.
According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Website, “Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly and lasts a lifetime. A person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.”
Type 2 diabetes, which is associated with age and/or obesity, is a metabolic disorder. “The person’s body still produces insulin, but it is unable to use it efficiently.”
According to JDRF statistics, as well as national diabetes stats, close to 24 million people are diagnosed with diabetes but only about 5 to 8 percent have Type 1. Wylinn is one of them.
Since the diabetes diagnosis, everyday life has changed in the Palmisano household, which also includes 3-year old Samuel. his parents check him constantly concerned there may be a genetic component to Wylinn’s disease that could affect their son as well.
The resolve to find a cure has intensified throughout the family, however, as they want to do their part toward finding a cure. Leading the charge to raise more money for diabetes research is Wylinn’s grandmother, Terry Palmisano of Gloucester, John’s mother.
in the less than three years since her granddaughter’s diagnosis, Terry Palmisano has been raising money through the Walk for Diabetes, coming up with $5,000 the first year alone. With the help of a friend at Page and Goodwin in Peabody, signature thermal tote bags with the “Wylinn’s Wish for a Cure” printed on the bag were designed with Terry’s input. They are sold for $10, with all the profits going to JDRF. each of the initial beautiful citrus green totes that were sold at the Topsfield Fair and Endicott Park Day in Danvers came with a pamphlet with the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. For Christmas, the company made the totes in Christmas red, which were also big for Valentine’s Day.
Terry Palmisano said, “I like to have people get something for their donation.”
So far, more than $800 has gone to JDRF from the tote sales, raising awareness of the symptoms and resources available at the same time. and, last Christmas Terry Palmisano and Linda Flaherty volunteered to wrap gifts, an effort that raised $500 after five hours. To date, almost $19,000 has gone to support Juvenile Diabetes Research just from Terry Palmisano’s grass roots efforts.
when Linda Flaherty, however, discovered their gift-wrapping efforts raised $500, she was disappointed. she wanted to run something that would raise much more money, like a ball. With everything in place for a fabulous evening of fun and fundraising, Flaherty has high hopes for a successful outcome.
“I want Terry and the Wylinn Wish Foundation to be able to present a check for JRDF that is equal to or exceeds what she has raised so far,” Flaherty said. “in one night, we really want to blow that away.”
when Flaherty sent out the call for assistance, many people showed up to help out from business people in the community to friends who offered their services whether they were touched by diabetes or not. she also managed to get Massachusetts’ junior senator Scott Brown and his wife, former Channel 5 reporter Gail Huff as honorary co-chairmen.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Terry Palmisano. “I think this is awesome. it was an amazing group of people who came forward.”
Sponsorships are still available at different levels. The Berry Foundation is a Platinum sponsor; Danversbank, NMTW credit Union and Delta Dental are Diamond sponsors; Salem five Bank, C.R. Lyons & Sons and Construction Management & Builders are gold sponsors; and Thomson Companies, Danvers Kiwanis, Protect Massachusetts Children, Johnson, O'Connor, Feron & Carucci LLP, The Hardiman Family, Hartnett Auto Body & Car Wash and M.S. Walker, inc. are silver sponsors.
The event, at the Danversport Yacht Club, is Saturday, March 12, 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $75 each with dinner and dancing to the music of the World Premier Band. For tickets, contact The Wish Ball Committee, c/o Linda Flaherty, 23 Wildwood Road, Danvers, MA 01923. Call 978-808-5233 or e-mail .