A gift of smiles and memories

Wendy Abrams was surprised when she got a call from Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray early last month, telling her that local business owner Robert Jesberger wanted to pay for her and her family to go to Disney World.

“I cried on the phone,” Abrams said. “It’s unbelievable. You just realize the goodness in people. And it’s unbelievable.”

The news came just a few days after reports aired about a special swing that was installed at the Recreation Center for Abrams’s son, John “Buddy” Abrams — a 20-month-old with a brain stem tumor. Buddy can’t sit up straight by himself, and therefore can’t use a regular swing. His mother reached out to the Children’s Wish Foundation, which purchased and set up the swing.

Jesberger, who owns Mid-Island Collision — and who recently bought and donated $140,000 worth of food to local people in need — saw news reports about the swing on TV and decided to help the family.

“The Lord purchased [the trip],” Jesberger told the Herald. “I always say, those that are given much, much is to be expected. I’m in business, and I have an obligation to help those that need to be helped.”

In addition to paying for their tickets, hotel and meals, Jesberger arranged for a luxury Mercedes Benz bus with a driver to take the family to the Florida theme park. The Abramses got the news from one of Jesberger’s employees, who came to the family’s house with balloons and a letter from Mickey Mouse telling them they were going to Disney World. Wendy’s daughters Casey, 9, and Nicole, 6, were “so excited,” she said.

“My kids have been asking for a while to go,” Abrams said. “But Buddy was diagnosed eight months ago, so I didn’t think it was a feasible thing, with the flying and all that.”

The family — Buddy included — left last Friday, and arrived on Saturday. They are spending a few days in the various Disney theme parks before driving back home.

Wendy said that Buddy is having a great time. “I watch him on the rides, and he’s into it,” she said. “Everyone’s having a really good time.”

Jesberger said that he routinely gives to charities and those in need. A self-described born-again Christian, he gives 10 percent or more of his income to charity every year.

“If anything can bring them any bit of joy, it would be great,” he said. “It’s divine intervention. If something’s put in front of us, it’s probably for a reason.”