Jacob, a 9-year-old Mastic boy battling Neurofibromatosis Type 1, which led to a brain stem tumor, got the ride of a lifetime in a Tesla Cybertruck. Thanks to the efforts of Nick Ferraioli, president of Drive for Dana, a non-profit that helps Long Island children in need, Jacob’s wish came true.
“Sometimes dreams can come true,” said the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) after the ride.
Ferraioli reached out to the SCPD as well as a friend, Agustin Alonso, who owns a Cybertruck to fulfill Jacob’s wish. The group surprised Jacob and his brother, Jeffrey, 6, outside their home this past weekend and gave them a ride.
Drive For Dana was joined by SCPD Commissioner Catalina and Deputy Commissioner Groneman. Lieutenant Thomas Paolicelli and Police Officer Thomas Dilena escorted the group with the department’s Mustang and Camaro.
“The boys had a great morning with the group and parents Elyse and Mike anticipate they will be talking about the experience for a long time,” said SCPD.
Jacob’s mom, Elyse Anitra, said on Facebook, “Thank you to everyone who was involved! It was so beyond generous. I don’t even have words to express how grateful I am. Jacob and Jeffrey had the best time and it was definitely even better to watch!”
“We visited Jacob who is going through a tough time during his battle with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Thank you to everyone who was a part of making Jacob’s wish a reality,” posted Drive for Dana.
Drive for Dana began in 2021 creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that holds a car show and other events to raise funds for kids in need. They focus on helping medically fragile children on Long Island and finding corporate sponsors who share our goal of helping Long Island children in need.
The inspiration for the creation of the not-for-profit came after meeting Dana Ryan. Dana suffered a near-fatal drowning in 2018 and her parents were told she suffered a traumatic brain injury from the drowning giving her 3 weeks to live.
Drive for Dana continued to help Dan and her family while expanding to help many other medically fragile children with much-needed equipment. Their effort continues to grow with the addition of a new annual Winter Breakfast Fundraiser in 2024. You can find more information about Drive for Dana at www.drivefordana.org