Dreamer Spotlight: Asata Montreuil
The great American pastime was in full swing on August 17th, two teams playing their hearts out on a beautiful day in Maimonides Park. Sunny, but not too sunny, and just windy enough to heat pleasant. Coney Island rides rumbled just off the field in one direction, and the water in the Jamaica Bay shone in the other. Many celebrations were held on the day, such as for contributors to the Gianna Effect foundation, but the crowds cheered particularly loud for one lucky dreamer who had their wish granted for a trip to Disney World: Asata Motreuil.
Asata came to the game with family; two siblings and his mother, who were there to support and celebrate with him. Asata was diagnosed with a condition called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome at birth. A condition so rare that when Asata was born 11 years ago, it didn’t even have a name. Since then, doctors have found that the condition causes a mutation of the 22nd chromosome which affects neural development and function.
The exact symptoms vary between affected people, but almost always result in delayed or stalled development mentally and physically. While it has no general effect on life expectancy, people with Phelan-McDermid syndrome often require long-term care. In Asata’s case, it has resulted in an array of symptoms including asthma, sleep apnea, hypotonia, and even severe developmental delay. He also has been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
The challenges that Phelan-McDermid Syndrome presents have been met by the family, but not without difficulty. His mother, Erica, had to leave her job at the time to care for him. While Asata does go to school, he cannot move without a wheelchair and is not really able to speak. And yet, in continuous defiance of his situation, he was all smiles during the baseball game. The expression on his and his family’s faces when his dream was announced on the field and the crows went wild was something to live for. His lively spirit has been said to touch and inspire everyone around him, something that was truly felt.
The family found the Dream Factory of Brooklyn through Asata’s coordinator at St. Mary’s, a healthcare system for children with complex medical needs. They applied and were fortunate enough to have their wish granted, something Asata and the family had been sorely needing. For the family, Disney World sounded like a dream for the three children as well as the adults, because the happiest place on Earth has a way of bringing out the inner child in everyone. As for Asata, it’s not any one particular ride or attraction that excites him, yet the buzz of Disney World itself. “… he likes the noise and excitement ”, his mother said.
The joy felt during this game can be owed to our main sponsor Hobby Box, as well as Everflow Technologies Inc., MC Travel Management, Sleep Dynamics, and our many individual donors. And of course, the Brooklyn Cyclones for a great game and helping many children just like Asata have their dreams come true.
Help make more dreams come true, donate what you can today.