Kids aid Make-A-Wish in fulfilling dreams in Bedford

The flurry of children sending letters to the North Pole through a mailbox at Macy’s had more than just toys in mind. The Macy’s National Believe Day celebration was a momentous occasion for the New Hampshire Make-A-Wish chapter in particular as it approaches its 25th anniversary and its 1,000th wish granting in January. “It’s a testament to the New Hampshire community and people understanding the tremendous positive impact that it has on the children and their family, the community with their outpouring of support, time and talent to make sure we can continue our mission and grant the 1,000th wish and far beyond,” said Jason Tremblay, of Merrimack, the director of philanthropy with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. None of the children could understand that more than Trevor Palmer, 9, of Milford, who attended the National Believe Day event as a Make-A-Wish ambassador-in-training. For most of his life, Trevor has battled aplastic anemia, a life-threatening condition in which his bone marrow doesn’t make enough platelets and red and white blood cells. He spent most of his preschool years in the hospital and was unable to play on swing sets or to even fall down, like most other little boys do. “They pushed him right in for a bone marrow transplant because he was deteriorating fast,” said Trevor’s mom, Naomi Palmer. “He was 41⁄2 when he had the transplant. He had about two weeks left to live when he went in, so we’re very blessed.” At 51⁄2, Make-A-Wish granted Trevor’s wish of visiting his great-grandmother and uncle in Florida, and allowed him to visit Disney World and Sea World in the process. Trevor said he wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up. “Just seeing him up and laughing, that was the best part of it,” Naomi Palmer said.