This year, United Way of Greater New Bedford and Fun 107 are once again teaming up to fulfill Holiday Wishes for families and individuals on the SouthCoast. Tune in from starting at 6:35 am all week (Dec. 1-5) to hear how you can help these families. Holiday Wishes allows us to help several SouthCoast families in need, in hopes of making the holidays a little brighter. You can help this year's families by texting WISHES25 to 26989 or click here.
Meet this year's families:
Monday 12/1 - Gray Family
Life took an unexpected turn for Shyanne when what seemed like a simple foot blister developed into something far more serious. Her condition has progressed rapidly, and depending on how treatment goes in the coming weeks, she faces the possibility of losing her foot – or even her leg. In September 2025, Shyanne Gray from Acushnet was admitted to Tobey Hospital in Wareham after developing an infection in her big toe.
Tuesday 12/2 - Hicks Family
Cynthia’s husband suffered a series of strokes over the past month, leaving her and their children facing an uncertain future as he was placed in hospice care. Ultimately, he passed away on Thanksgiving. Now, Cynthia and her two teenage children are working to navigate life in an entirely new way as bills have piled up around them.
Wednesday 12/3 - Lynn Family
When 7-year-old Jaziah began having frequent nosebleeds and just didn’t seem like himself, his mom brought him to the doctor. The diagnosis was leukemia – something that was completely unexpected. Joziah and his mom now travel to Boston several times a week for treatment, and they’re hoping to find a bit more to celebrate this season.
Thursday 12/4 - Poholek Family
In August, routine bloodwork revealed that Chris was in end-stage renal failure. An otherwise healthy 40-year-old, he and his family suddenly found themselves with a new set of challenges as he began dialysis five days a week. He’s hoping for a kidney transplant that will get him back on track and back to work.
Friday 12/5 - Willis Family
Joey has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle function. At just 8 years old, he is already experiencing significant mobility challenges and is not expected to live beyond his 20s. Before his diagnosis, Joey and his family loved staying active, spending time outdoors, and going on hikes. As his condition progresses, his mom is hoping for support to help improve his mobility and maintain as much independence as possible.