Neptune Township teen gifted trailer from Make-A-Wish Foundation

A 15-year-old boy from Monmouth County had his wish come true from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

News 12 Staff

Dec 28, 2020, 12:59 AM

Updated 1,378 days ago

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A 15-year-old boy from Monmouth County had his wish come true from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Jaden Lucien received a kidney transplant from his own mother back in July, and he got another special gift on Sunday.
Lucien wants to travel, but the pandemic has made that impossible -- until Make-A-Wish gifted him with his own HitchRV camper.
“Crazy and exciting. I’m kind of shocked and nervous. Can't believe this many people showed up,” Jaden Lucien said.
Lucien took it all in with his parents Ashley and Jeffry by his side, even his mask couldn't block his beaming smile.
“Today, he’s not a kidney recipient. He’s just Jaden,” Ashley Lucien said.
“It's a big load of pressure coming off. Jaden loves to travel. He's probably been to more countries than I’ve been, and because of the COVID, he hasn't been able to travel,” Jeffry Lucien said.
And in this COVID-19 pandemic, these wishes carry even more meaning.
“Days like this, when we’re granting a wish, this what it's all about, but especially being able to engage the community when very often these wish experiences are private,” said Tom Weatherall, Make-a-Wish New Jersey CEO.
“I get to relax since I have the camper by myself now, and get to reflect on everything, so yeah this is nice,” Jaden Lucien said.
The teen's wish began with a parade made up of friends, family and first responders in decorated vehicle in Neptune Township.
Make-A-Wish is 100% funded by private and public donations.
Jersey Mike's has sponsored more than 150 wishes this year.