Jabril Meets President Obama

Jabril and his family outside the White House

When ten-year-old Jabril spoke with Anna on our Program staff about his wish he told her that he thought President Obama was “really nice and trying to make the world a better place for people.” He said the president makes people, including himself, feel happy, and he really hoped to have the opportunity to meet him. Because of the severity of Jabril’s illness, his wish was considered a “rush,” requiring a very quick turn-around in planning. The chance that he would be able to meet President Obama within such a short time-frame was slim. So, when word arrived from the White House that Obama would meet Jabril just before leaving on his Christmas vacation, Jabril and his family were ecstatic. Everything was arranged very quickly and Jabril was on a plane to the East Coast within days. There was one glitch that no one considered, however – the weather. Jabril and his family were scheduled for an overnight stay in Philadelphia and expected to catch a flight to DC the next morning for his meeting with the president.  However, the airport was snowed in.  Undaunted, the Washington chapter of MAW arranged for a car to drive the family from Philadelphia to DC. This was the first time that Jabril saw snow, so for him the weather was not a deterrent, but a pleasant enhancement to his wish experience. Finally, Jabril and his family arrived at the White House.  Jabril’s mother later said that they we were very excited to meet the president and felt very privileged as they waited in the outer office. What was amazing to her was how the president seemed so excited to meet them. As the family was waiting they heard the president yell, “Come on in” seeming genuinely interested in Jabril and his family. Jabril had a list of questions ready to ask. One question, “What is your favorite room in the White House?” prompted Obama to reply, “Instead of telling you, I'll let you see it for yourself." Then Jabril and his family were escorted by the Secret Service to the White House bowling alley, where Jabril was able to bowl a few frames!  Upon returning home, Jabril’s mother reported that his health had actually improved. He has started attending school again and has been doing very well. To read more about Jabril and his visit to our office, click here.