Judah's wish for a tractor

On Thursday, July 6th, 18-year-old Judah experienced the surprise of a lifetime, during a celebration in his honor with over 100 members of the community, including wish alumni and families, local company partners, and Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers. His one true wish was to have a brand new, Kubota BX Series 4WD Sub-Compact Tractor, and that wish was granted as a complete surprise at the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, the wish-granting castle and home of Make-A-Wish New Jersey in Monroe Township. Judah’s wish was granted during a patriotic, 4th of July themed celebration as his tractor was delivered by wish-granting partners Highway Equipment Company from neighboring Millstone Township during a special ceremony.

Judah’s wish marked a significant and historic milestone for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. In addition to celebrating its 40thanniversary this year, Judah’s wish was the 12,000th wish granted since the chapter’s founding in 1983. The celebration at the Wishing Place engaged an entire community in a celebration filled with games, food trucks, music, stilt walkers, ice cream, and of course, a celebration of the impactful mission of Make-A-Wish.

Judah and his family arrived at the Make-A-Wish castle under the guise of a summer party with food, music, games and entertainment for New Jersey wish families, and to sign some additional paperwork for his wish. After a brief tour of the castle, Judah joined the celebration outside, and was surprised to be the star of the show as the historic 12,000th wish was officially granted. Judah’s tractor, driving down the entryway to the Wishing Place by Highway Equipment Company and in front of cheering supporters, pulled up in front of the castle to fulfill Judah’s wish in a grand fashion with confetti cannons, and an emotional celebration for Judah and his entire family.

Judah battles thalassemia, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder. He lives on a farm where his future goals include cultivating the land, feeding the animals, growing his own vegetables, and preparing his own meals from start to finish. Judah’s tractor, a specific model he chose, is a brand-new Tractor-Loader-Backhoe. The major highlight of the model is its versatility, which will be ideal for the many different projects Judah intends to use it for – a true life-changer. He also is now able to keep up with his brothers on the farm, something he has struggled with his entire life.

Due to Judah’s life-threatening medical condition, his mother Jennie shared that Judah does not often talk about the future or think about what is to come. However, the power of a life-changing wish come true has changed that and his mother shares that this is the first time she has seen him excited about something for his own future, looking ahead and beyond his illness, believing he will be here six months or even a year from now.

For more information on Make-A-Wish New Jersey and other life-changing wishes like Judah’s, visit 

nj.wish.org. You can help transform lives, one wish at a time.