Several residents of Hedgehog Lane banded together on Tuesday to
grant a wish for one of their youngest neighbors.

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis before birth, Elijah Schlopy, who
will be 3-years-old next month, was recently selected as a
candidate for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Pennsylvania.

“About a month-and-a-half ago we were notified that he had been
nominated for the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Schlopy’s grandmother
Debbie Anthony said Tuesday.

Schlopy and his younger sister, Renae Schlopy, who has also been
diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, currently live with their
grandmother at her residence on Hedgehog Lane.

“We were called within two weeks for an interview, and then two
weeks later we were asked what his first wish would be.”

According to Anthony, the first wish the family listed was an
outside play-set. The large gift would also help create more forms
of exercise for the siblings and develop a new way to practice
healthy living. 

“We ordered it about two weeks ago and yesterday we were told it
would be here on Monday,” Anthony explained.

Within 24 hours of being notified, Rich Luther, a fellow
Hedgehog Lane resident, and owner of Luther Mini Excavation
Services in Bradford, was able to round up almost a dozen
volunteers to help with construction for the play-sets base.

“For this neighborhood that’s typical,” Anthony said, who has
lived in the area for approximately 30 years. “From the bottom of
the hill (Hedgehog Lane) to the top, everyone is always willing to
help out.”

The Hedgehog Lane region in particular has faced several issues
which has positively led to a strengthened sense of communication
and camaraderie for its residents.

Last year at this time residents were facing issues concerning
the quality of water.

“The water issues really brought us together,” Anthony said.
Anthony also mentioned she and neighbors still communicate through
e-mail, which consequently led to Tuesday’s gathering.

“I can’t thank Rich Luther enough,” Anthony said, who also
mentioned his company donated the excavating for the base of the
object, as well as gravel for beneath it.

“I never expected everything to be donated. It’s such a
surprise,” said Anthony. “Kevin Collins, who also works at Luther
Excavating, notified neighbors and told me this morning that people
would be here this afternoon (Tuesday) to start helping.”

A picture of the swing-set was recently sent to Anthony, who
said the cost to be approximately $13,000. It will include: An 11
foot tower, a fireman’s pole, a steering wheel, a rock-climber wall
and a 10 foot slide.

As of Monday evening, the base was expected to be completed by
the end of the night and the large swing-set installed within the
next few days.