By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
Zeeshan “Zee” Mohammed, an ardent New England Patriots fan underwent months of treatment for lymphoma in 2022-23. During that time, football was something that helped take his mind off of his illness and through which he bonded with his medical care team about fun fan rivalries.
Zee is an intelligent, mild-mannered 8th grader who dreams of being a neurosurgeon. With the encouragement of his medical caregivers, Zee’s family reached out to Make-A-Wish and asked about a Super Bowl trip. This is one of the most popular wishes with a long waiting list. But patience paid off when through the generosity of Make-A-Wish, the NFL, Fanatics and other corporate partners, an individual donated their tickets and Zee was awarded a trip to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay area this past February. The extra bonus was that the Patriots were playing in the game.
Zee and his family—mom Afreen Banu Sayed, dad Moin Khaja, and younger brother Zayaan Mohammed —experienced VIP treatment all week long in California. The six day trip included a welcome reception at TopGolf, a stadium tour, attendance at the NFL Honors event, a day in San Franciso visiting Lids on Pier 39 and a Build-a-Bear workshop culminating with field side tickets at the Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl.
Afreen is effusive about the warmth and solidarity their entire family received from the Walpole community, especially the teachers and administration at the Fisher School. “Words can not express our gratitude to the people at Fisher School. The love and support we received from Zee’s medical care team during his treatment was overwhelming, and now we are getting so much love through this wish,” says Afreen. “We are so grateful to soak up the blessings and love.”
Zee created lasting memories after his long health journey and will feel the life-changing power of a granted wish forever. Afreen encourages her son to give back to the community in similar ways as Zee grows.
And through all of this incredible family experience, Make-A-Wish never asked for anything in return. The smiles will more than make do.
Since 1982, the Super Bowl remains one of Make-A-Wish’s most impactful annual wish-granting moments. Over the past 44 years, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 300 Super Bowl wishes for children with critical illnesses with the NFL supporting hundreds more football wishes through all 32 teams and their players.
Since partnering with Make-A-Wish in 2023, Fanatics has enhanced more than 900 sports-related wishes by creating experiences such as athlete meet-and-greets, premium hospitality at championship events, exclusive merchandise, and surprise moments that make wish kids feel like MVPs.
None of these wishes would be possible without donations. Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island are working to grant the wishes of nearly 400 local children this year. To learn more and find out how you can get involved in helping wishes come true, visit www.massri.wish.org.
