Wishbone Day

Last school year, Sophia Resti took on a special project to earn the NYS Seal of Civic Engagement. She decided to organize “Wishbone Day” at school to raise awareness about brittle bone disease, or osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)—a genetic condition she lives with that makes bones fragile and more likely to break. Wishbone Day is recognized around the world, and its official color is yellow.

Sophia created a PowerPoint presentation about what OI is and what it’s like to live with it. She visited every 12th-grade social studies class to share her story and help others understand the challenges she faces.

Sophia also held a “yellow” bake sale at school. But instead of keeping the money, she used it to help classmates in need. She bought prom tickets and gift cards for things like manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling so more students could enjoy prom. She also donated the leftover money to Ronald McDonald House, which has supported her family during hospital stays.

This year, Sophia made Wishbone Day even bigger. She added a new event by getting the Unified Basketball Team involved. The team dedicated a game to raising awareness for OI and encouraged everyone to wear yellow. During the school day and at the game, Sophia ran her bake sale again. Students with and without disabilities worked together to decorate the gym, make posters, and design T-shirts to show support.

Before the game started, Sophia spoke to the crowd about what it’s like to live with OI. Her words made a big impact, and the event brought the whole school together in a powerful way.