A year ago, Kale, who lives in California, started having blurry vision in his right eye. After medical tests, his family received the devastating news that he had a tumor in his right optic nerve.
“This year has been a struggle for Kale,” says his father, William, explaining that not only is his son battling cancer, but he’s also going through the usual upheavals that teenagers face in high school.
The eldest of two boys, Kale, whose parents are both history teachers, is interested in foreign affairs and international relations and dreams of becoming a diplomat. “The UN is one of the greatest forces in international relations on planet Earth,” he told UN News. “I’m very interested in that. And since the headquarters are here in New York, a city I also want to visit, I thought it would be a really cool place to experience.”
Improving the chances of recovery
The Make-A-Wish Foundation believes that granting wishes can transform children’s chances to fight disease and help them see beyond their limitations; support for families dealing with anxiety; and bring joy to entire communities.
The Foundation facilitates the fulfillment of approximately 15,000 wishes each year in the United States, guided by referrals from medical teams. “On average, it takes between six and 18 months for the wish to be granted,” explains Coleen Lee of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “This is the first time a child has expressed a desire to come to the UN!”
“It is important to me to visit the United Nations because of the broad range of work that is done there, from humanitarian missions to peacekeeping efforts, all in the hope of making the world a better place,” Kale wrote in the wish he sent to the foundation. “So I think it would be important to see the place so I can better understand the work that’s going on there and how those decisions are made.”
Create an unforgettable day
When the UN received the foundation’s request, they tried to put together a tailor-made program to ensure that his visit would be memorable.
“To make it all worthwhile, we decided not only to organize a guided tour, but also to give Kale the opportunity to meet high-ranking officials and diplomats,” explains Rula Hinedi, head of the guided tours department at the United Nations.
The day starts early with a guided tour. “It was great, I’m impressed,” says Kale with a smile. “I really enjoyed the General Assembly. I was able to stand on the podium and it was cool to be in the same place as great people in front of me. That was very strong.”
He was greeted by members of the Department of Security, including Paula Goncalvez, the senior female officer with over 25 years of experience. “We want you to enjoy the experience here,” she said. “It’s a wonderful organization and we’re glad you chose us!”
in the Security Council In the briefing room, Kale met Officer Richard Norowski. Kale’s visit and his Make-a-Wish badge sparked emotional memories for Officer Norowski, who accompanied his sister on a Make-a-Wish trip to Disneyland when she was seven. “My sister had leukemia. I will never forget that and the badge means a lot to me.”
Career advice at the highest level
The next part of the visit included a series of meetings that could help Kale achieve that goal in the future.
Maher Nasser, director of outreach at the Department of Global Communications, shared his personal experience of climbing the ranks at the UN and suggested the types of academic studies that could help Kale pursue a career as a diplomat or as a diplomat reach an international official at the UN.
“Follow your dream no matter what,” Mr Nasser said, “and the stars will align to make your dream come true,” adding that he hopes to see Kale in the corridors of the UN in a few years to see.
French Ambassador to the United Nations Nicolas de Rivière and Diarra Dime-Labille, the Mission’s legal adviser and head of the Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and Influence Department, also offered Kale advice and shared their experiences.
“You have to be open-minded because you have a lot of time to work and negotiate with countries that have different goals and visions than ours,” explained Ms. Dime-Labille. Our ultimate goal is to create a peaceful world, the goal countries had when they founded the United Nations.”
“Do your best to get better”
Kale and his family look to the future with hope. “We still have about six to twelve months before we start the so-called maintenance program,” says his mother Robin.
“In the last two reports, the tumor has shrunk and Kale has regained some vision in his right eye, his father says. “Hopefully we’ll see more positive results next month.”
Rula Hinedi admits she was moved by meeting Kale and his family. “It really touched me. It humbled me a lot,” she says. I think that asking a 16-year-old boy to visit the United Nations is a powerful message to all of us that the work being done here is still relevant, especially for the new generation. Things aren’t always easy, but the world is certainly a better place thanks to the UN.”
Reflecting on the journey, Kale says learning about the good the UN is doing around the world inspired him to advocate for others.
“Just do your best to get better,” he says, “because if you’re better, you can help others get better, and that will just be a positive chain reaction.” Be helpful and friendly. That’s my message.”
