Holiday parade brings Christmas cheer to girl with leukemia
Dec 6, 2021
Ariya Cohen takes her new Jeep for a spin. Photos by: Sandy Quadros Bowles
Dartmouth police vehicles were part of the parade route.
Santa and Mrs. Claus check out the Big Wheels towing vehicle.
Many of the vehicles displayed festive decor.
Fire trucks also participated in the procession.
Even a few friendly dogs tagged along.
Diagnosed in July with leukemia, three-year-old Ariya Cohen has to protect her health and can’t go out much for Christmas this year.
Instead, Christmas came to her, complete with lights flashing, sirens blaring, and Santa Claus and Minnie Mouse waving.
Vehicles representing public safety agencies and private organizations drove by her South Dartmouth home Monday, Dec. 6 to surprise her with a holiday parade.
The parade included vehicles from Dartmouth Police, Fire and EMS, motorcycles from The Independent Brotherhood of Harley Riders, Jeeps representing the South Coast Jeep Club, Big Wheels Towing, and Toyota of Dartmouth.
To keep her as safe as possible, the vehicles drove by without stopping, except for those who came out to deliver presents.
Ariya received bags of items and gift cards.
Then there was the biggest gift of all, a miniature Jeep, complete with a license plate sporting her name.
The jeep was provided, appropriately enough, by South Coast Jeep Club.
“We try to help the community,’’ said Billy Redanz from the group. “As soon as we heard about this, it was a no-brainer’’ to become involved.
The Independent Brotherhood of Harley Riders also zoomed by to wish her well. When group member Jesse Guimont heard about Ariya’s fondness for motorcycles, he quickly arranged for a contingent of Harleys to drive by.
A larger group will drive by later in the season on a weekend day, when members who had to work Monday can participate, he said.
“We help out anybody who needs help,’’ he said. “That’s just who we are.’’
Dartmouth Police Det. Kyle Costa thanked the community for rallying around Ariya, who has to undergo chemotherapy regularly, and her family.
“Every kid deserves to have a good Christmas,’’ Costa said. “She deserves a really special Christmas.’’
Ariya’s family said they were touched and grateful for the outpouring of support.
“I’m overwhelmed,’’ Ariya’s grandmother, Donna Dixey-DeMoranvile said. “It’s amazing how people came together to help a little child.’’
Hosting a parade fits in with the season of giving, said Dartmouth Police Officer Cristina Brum, who helped organize the effort.
“What better time to give back to a little girl who’s going through a lot?’’ she said.
