The Make-a-Wish Foundation helped a Tampa teen with a rare genetic condition enjoy something on Saturday that most people might take for granted: a little fun in the water.

  • Ari Weitzman, 17, one of 125 people worldwide with Ring Chromosome 14 Syndrome
  • Condition creates numerous complications for physical activity
  • Backyard splash pad provides ideal play environment for Ari, who loves water

Ari Weitzman held his mother’s hand in their backyard Saturday. There’s a strange blue tarp in one corner, next to his swing. He’s not sure what’s under there, but he knows everyone is excited.
 
Ari’s family and friends grab the tarp and pull back. With a swift swish, a small splash pad is revealed. A turtle and blue fish spit water at one another, while water falls from a column.
 
It’s a wish come true for Ari, granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Tampa teenager loves the water, but it’s not easy for him to enjoy public waterways.  
 
“He absolutely loves, loves, loves, loves the water,” his mother, Silvia Weitzman, said. “We actually had to stop giving him baths because it would become a swimming pool for him. He would dive in and you couldn’t get him out.”
 
Despite Ari’s aquatic enthusiasm, it’s hard for the Tampa family to take their 17-year-old son to the beach or to the pool. Ari has a rare genetic condition called Ring Chromosome 14 Syndrome.
 
“He’s one of 125 worldwide,” his mother said. “Through the years we’ve learned he’s still not verbal, he has traits of autism, he has mobility issues.”
 
The syndrome also creates some health issues for Ari. Specifically, he has respiratory issues, and a recent jaw surgery makes it impossible for him to drink by mouth. A trip to the beach or the pool could be dangerous, and was a big undertaking.
 
“He’s also heat sensitive, so going out to the beach is very difficult because you have to take everything with you, make sure he’s covered good, make sure he’s hydrated,” Silvia said. “Also, when he’s in the water, making sure he stays above water, to make sure not drink the ocean, which can be not good. Pool water, not good.”
 
A splash pad is perfect for Ari - he can play in the water and his parents can keep him safe. Public splash pads, however, tend to be toddler territory.
 
“There are little kids in the splash pads,” his mother said. “Ari’s not a little kid. He’s little for his age, but he is a big kid, so it’s very difficult to be in an environment when you have little kids and them seeing someone like Ari come by and try to play with them.”
 
With the family’s backyard splash pad, Ari, his fourteen-year-old sister and all of their friends can play together without judgment. Ari is steps away from anything he needs, and that puts his parents’ minds at ease.
 
“Being at home, you can walk right in, give him water, or whatever you need, you have your bathroom, all those things are right at hand,” Weitzman said.
 
As Ari splashes with his sister, his mother watches and smiles. When she first found out Ari’s wish would be fulfilled by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, she was overwhelmed. She couldn’t believe Ari was just as special to the foundation as he is to her.
 
“We’re just not used to that,” she said. “I don’t even know the words; it just brings tears thinking about it all the time.”

As the waterfall dripped on Ari’s head, his mom runs past him through the water.
 
“Ari! What did mommy do?”
 
Ari looks up and walks over. He gives his mother a big, wet hug.