Isaiah Rittichier stands by his new tractor along with some NASCAR cutouts at Kerlin Motors in Silver Lake. Rittichier received the tractor through Make-A-Wish.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — There was a buzz at Kerlin Motors this afternoon, Thursday, April 27. Not only was the long time tractor and motorsport dealer hosting an open house, but it was also assisting  in its first Make-A-Wish program.

Kerln Motors presented Isaiah Rittichier, 12, with his very own tractor. Rittichier, who is dealing with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, said he wanted the tractor to assist his family on the family farm. Rittichier, who is from Hartford City, made his request last fall.

Jessica McBride, a mission fulfillment specialist with Make-A-Wish Foundation, explained certain conditions must be met in order for a child to qualify for a wish through the foundation. A child needs to be critically, not terminally ill.  A recommendation a child receive a wish usually comes from the child’s family, doctor or a social worker.

Once a recommendation is made, Make-A-Wish verifies the child’s condition. McBride said there is typically a lot of paperwork involved and the child’s medical team must sign off on all wish types. Make-A-Wish then provides a Discovery Team which assists the child in figuring out exactly how their wish may be achieved.

“Isaiah came right out of the gate with a tractor,” McBride said. Such a request in not the usual type of wish the organization deals with. In fact, this is only the second time McBride is aware that a request for agricultural equipment has been made in her region which covers Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Because of his age and the fact the tractor is vehicle, a Make-A-Wish board had to approve Rittichier’s wish. McBride said the fact he comes from a farming family and already knew how to drive a tractor helped sway the board to approve the wish.

After arriving at the dealership, Bret Wolf gave Rittichier and his father, Joshua, the official walk through on the tractor including the formal starting the engine.

“I’ve always wanted a tractor since I was 3,” Rittichier said. He told reporters he didn’t have a preference as to what type of tractor, “as long as it got the job done.” he said. He hopes to get out in the field with it in the next few weeks.

Rittichier plans to grow sweet corn, turnips, lettuce, and other vegetables in about 20 acres. He said his favorite part of gardening is the fresh fruits and vegetables that are the result.

Before heading for home, Wolf presented Rittichier with a tool box with a tape measure, square measure, a small level and several seed packets inside it. “I left enough room in it so it can grow with you,” Wolf said. Rittichier was also given the manuals for his new tractor.