Holiday Help Needed for New Bedford Child With Leukemia

Since 2015, Fun 107 and the United Way of Greater New Bedford have partnered to help local families through Holiday Wish.

The annual program helps families and individuals going through hard times. From health issues to domestic violence, loss of job to loss of life, the stories run the gamut.

Despite the hardships, there is hope. The kindness of our community truly shines as thousands have called in, texted in and donated funds to assist our neighbors in need.

This year is no different. Five local families, all experiencing some tremendous obstacles, are in need of our help.

Meet the Lynn Family of New Bedford

Leeanne Lynn is a single mother from New Bedford and head of the household for her children Tyjon, Alexali, Tayden and her youngest, eight-year-old Jaziah.

Leeanne Lynn

Jaziah's life was changed when, in March of 2025, he was diagnosed with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Leeanne and her family's lives were flipped upside down as the diagnosis drastically changed their day-to-day.

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How Leukemia Has Impacted Daily Life

Countless doctor's appointments and trips to the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Boston are now routine for Jaziah. His battle will continue for at least a few years as he continues to receive care.

Trying Times

In addition to the toll the leukemia is taking on her son, Leeanne, an employee of Southcoast Health, is struggling to keep things going at home.

Leeanne Lynn

She heavily relies on FMLA when bringing Jaziah to appointments and hospital stays. The bills are piling up and the long commutes to Boston are adding to the wear and tear of her vehicle.

Every child deserves to have a special Christmas, so let's do what we can for Jaziah and the Lynn family.

Watch the Lynn Family Share Their Story

How to Donate to Holiday Wish

You can help the Hicks family by making a donation on the United Way of Greater New Bedford website, or by texting WISHES25 to 26989.

The SouthCoast Delivers to Struggling Families for Holiday Wish Week 2021

Check out the incredible donations to these deserving families during this year's Holiday Wish Week.

Out of respect and privacy for each family, we have not listed the monetary donations in the following recap.

Gallery Credit: Maddie Levine

United Way of Greater New Bedford Hunger Heroes Food Drive 2021

Hundreds of donors dropped off food at the Buttonwood Park Warming House, assisting the United Way in helping reach its goal of 1,000 Thanksgiving food baskets for needy families.

Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg