Wish of the Week – Jordan

By MWF/PIO
Sept. 11. 2009

 

 On the day that 14-year-old Jordan learned his wish would come true, his volunteer wish granters presented him with a hard hat and pronounced him the  honorary chairman of the bathroom construction. Jordan, who battles cerebral palsy, was overjoyed because he knew that a bathroom makeover would impact his life in so many ways.

For three exhausting weeks, CDC Builders were in Jordan’s Lauderhill house, toiling away. They replaced all the tiles on the floor and on the walls, moved the toilet to a more accessible location and added a grab bar. The shower was also moved and made bigger. An accessible jet tub was installed and grab bars were added for extra security. This tub will also help with his physical therapy. Even the old sink was torn out and replaced with an all-new, wheelchair accessible sink and vanity. Finishing touches to his dream bathroom include new lighting, mirrors, cabinets and handles.

By bidding farewell to his old bathroom, Jordan is enjoying a new sense of independence. He can now tend to his personal needs without assistance from his parents. An ecstatic Jordan said, “It’s not what I expected, it’s even better! The shower and all the new fixtures work perfectly.”

Wish Granters: Andrea Giraldo & Deirdre Trevett
Referred by: his mother
Sponsored by: Mark J. Gordon Foundation

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Andres

By MWF
Sept. 5, 2009

Ten-year-old Andres from Coral Gables is passionate about baseball and idolizes Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins. On his own baseball team, he dons Hanley’s number (#2), plays his position (shortstop) and insists on wearing the same gear as the big leaguer.

When his wish came true, Andres and his family headed to the Eden Roc hotel on Miami Beach for a two-night stay and a great escape from his daily struggle with Crohn’s Disease. In true all-star fashion, he was escorted in a limousine to Land Shark Stadium to meet Hanley Ramirez.

From the Marlins-branded items waiting for him in his very own locker (right next to Hanley’s) to the chance to throw out the first pitch, his experience was amazing. Wearing his personalized Marlins jersey, Andres accompanied Hanley on the field for pre-game batting practice. He stretched with the Marlins, shagged balls in the outfield, took ground balls beside Hanley in the shortstop position and played catch with his idol. He made sure to find the time for autographs and photos from all his favorite Marlins.

His mother said, “At first, Andres was so nervous that he was shaking but the team made him feel comfortable. He met just about every player – they came over to shake his hands or rub his hat.”

Next it was game time so Andres and his family headed to their seats to watch a nail biter 10-inning game against the Atlanta Braves. Afterward, he clutched his signed bat and Hanley Ramirez glove and headed home. Now when he watches the Marlins on television, he fondly remembers the day he was Hanley Ramirez’ MVP!

Wish Granters: Judith Matus & Ellen Roth
Referred by: his child life specialist
Wish adopted by: Barry University’s Facilities & Event Management class of 2009

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Aaron

By MWF
August 27, 2009

Four-year old Aaron wanted more than anything to be a cowboy. Aaron’s wish was a special occasion for him and his family, and it marked a special milestone for the Make-A-Wish Foundation – its 50,000th wish.

Like many little boys his age, Aaron loves horses and wanted to be a cowboy. Aaron’s wish was granted by the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation^® in California. Aaron spent a week as a cowboy on a working ranch near Dillon, Mont.

On the night of his arrival, Aaron was the honored guest at a welcoming barbeque. The next day he was outfitted in a complete new set of “cowboy clothes,” just in time to be introduced to his own ranch horse. He then spent the next few days getting the feel of the saddle, eating cowboy grub around the campfire, attending the Beaverhead County Fair, riding in Dillon’s Labor Day parade, and just enjoying cowboy life under Montana’s famous Big Sky.

When he sees someone wearing a cowboy outfit, he says “They must be from Montana, Mommy.”

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Priscilla 13 Years Old

By MWF
August 22, 2009

Millions of children dream about becoming superstars, and using their talents to reach audiences around the world. Priscilla’s dreams revolve around music—she wants to be a professional singer.

Priscilla is 13 years old, and when the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida entered her life, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. She wanted to record her very own CD. With a little help from her new friends—namely legendary music producer Emilio Estefan—Priscilla can now proudly call herself a professional recording artist.

After determining her wish, the budding young star was whisked to Miami for a star-studded weekend. After spending her first evening at a 5-star hotel, the hotel staff knew they had a celebrity on their hands. At the hotel salon, Priscilla received a full makeover, before she headed to her photo shoot—after all, every professionally recorded CD needs a cover.

Finally, Priscilla arrived at Emilio’s studio—the same location artists such as Jon Secada and Emilio’s wife Gloria began their paths to stardom. Priscilla never imagined that she would achieve her lifelong dream by recording with one of the world’s most renowned music producers, and much less that it would happen when she was 13 years old.

After a long afternoon in the studio, Priscilla’s CD was completed and the music industry was introduced to its newest recording artist.

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Elliot

By MWF/PIO
August 14, 2009

There is always one place that can raise Elliot’s spirits: Duluth, Minnesota. After he was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 2 ½ years old, Elliot’s parents would take him to Duluth’s Canal Park near the shore of Lake Superior. Watching the boats and the lift bridges was always a respite from his debilitating chemotherapy treatments.

Though Elliot and his family moved away, he never forgot those happy moments watching ships and hearing the sounds of horns blaring over the water. He told volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Minnesota that his fondest wish was to drive one of those boats near his birthplace in Duluth.

The Shipping News

Angela King-Jones, wish coordinator for the chapter, called Duluth’s mayor to ask permission to grant Elliot’s wish. The story immediately caught the community’s imagination. The mayor was happy to help, and the staff came up with creative ways to fulfill and enhance the boy’s wish. “The community really rallied around Elliot and his family,” King-Jones said. “The mayor granted special permission for Elliot to blow the horn at the lift bridge.”

Elliot and his family boarded the tour boat Vista Star. Captain Chris, who they knew from previous excursions, gave them a warm greeting. He and his crew gave Elliot the VIP treatment and presented him with his own captain’s hat. And the captain let Elliot sound the horn requesting the bridge lift. Under the captain’s supervision, Elliot piloted the ship past the bridge. Everyone celebrated with a pizza party aboard the Vista Star.

Bring on the Noise

At the massive Aerial Lift Bridge (one of Elliot’s favorite maritime attractions), Elliot climbed into the control booth where bridge Supervisor Ryan Beamer let him push the big black button as many times as he wanted. The blasts startled tourists, commuters and seagulls out of their daily routines. With every blast of the horn, Elliot’s smile got even wider.

Many Duluth residents already knew what was happening – the local media had written about his unusual wish. So every blast of the horn gave them a reason to smile, too.

Thanks for the Memories

Sara and Aron, Elliot’s parents, were thrilled with the warm reception the family experienced in Duluth. Part of Elliot’s wish included staying at the South Pier Inn so he could have an up-close view of the ships passing under the bridge. “So many people helped us to be present during our trip and to spend time as a family … and to make Elliot’s trip such a magical time,” they wrote in a thank-you letter published in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Elliot also rode in the locomotive of a train, visited local landmarks including the Duluth Children’s Museum and Great Lakes Aquarium, and enjoyed a meal at the New Scenic Café.

Elliot is now in a three-year maintenance phase of treatment and is doing very well, according to his parents.

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Grace

By MWF/PIO
August 8, 2009

During her wish to be in her own original fairytale, 6-year-old Grace learned that even the most imaginative wish can come true. But her mother, Jeanette, learned something even more important: that a Make-A-Wish^® experience can restore a family’s hope and joy.

“A wish is a powerful thing,” Jeanette said. “I completely underestimated it.”

Grace’s Imagination Powers a Fairytale Wish

Grace is diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack blood vessels throughout the body. Each week, she must visit the doctor to combat the condition’s effects.

Still, Grace has a lively spirit with an imagination to match. Wish granters knew they’d have to be creative to make her fondest wish come to life. They weaved together elements from the most famous and beloved fairytales, crafting a day that would create thrilling memories for Grace. They also got her input on fantastic creatures she’d like to see in her personal fairytale.

Her wish began with a limousine ride to the Seattle Children’s Theater, where she met her fairy godmother. Grace received her own set of fairy wings as she took a prime seat to watch a customized stage production based on the children’s book Goodnight Moon. The cast even invited Grace up on stage; they incorporated a “red space giraffe,” one of the fantasy creatures she wished for, into the production and then presented it to her.

Seattle Becomes a City of Fantasy

And the experience just kept getting better: The cast invited Grace to an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party after the show. But she couldn’t stay long – she had to zip over the Pacific Science Center. A chauffeur dressed as a pirate took the wheel of a Candyland-themed golf cart to deliver her to the center.

There, Grace got to see amazing creatures – though they were all real creatures, they equaled everything she could create with her imagination. She learned about blue whales and enjoyed a private show in the planetarium.

Still, her fairytale day wasn’t over. At Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, Make-A-Wish^® volunteers and supporters were waiting for her arrival. They were dressed in animal hats, masks and costumes. Talented performers from the cast of Seattle’s Teatro Zinzanni also joined the fun, parading around like Grace’s own personal menagerie of circus animals.

The party continued upstairs in a private room where Grace, her family and friends enjoyed “space” strawberries and cake. A juggler, a face painter and even the Easter Bunny provided entertainment for the night.

Grace’s Joy Eclipses Her Illness

Grace’s fairytale day came to a close at a Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant in Bellevue. The entire staff wore fairytale-themed hats for their guest of honor.

Jeanette was moved to tears several times as she saw how enthralled Grace was during her wish. It transported them all away from the world of those difficult weekly medical treatments.

“Those moments were a million miles away and sharply juxtaposed to the thrill of the entire day,” Jeanette said.

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Victoria

By MWF/PIO
July 27, 2009

Although she is only eight years old, Victoria has had a passion for the kitchen for five years. Whenever she visits her grandparents, she can often be found right alongside her grandfather, who is a whiz in the kitchen. Her all-time favorite chef is Rachael Ray. Victoria talks about her constantly and loves to watch her on television. She hopes to one day cook like Rachael and maybe have her own cooking show.

Victoria’s wish took her and her family to New York City to see Rachael Ray in action. With a limo ride to the airport and the royal treatment in the air, she felt like a VIP. Once in the Big Apple, it really sank in that she was about to meet the celebrity chef. Victoria sat in the VIP balcony and watched two tapings of “Rachael Ray.” She was blown away when Rachael came out between segments, made eye contact and waved to her.

In a moment of utter shock, Victoria became very shy as she got face-to-face with her culinary idol. She was delighted to discover that Rachael was just as sweet in person as she appears on television. After they shared a hug, Victoria said she would never wash her hands again, and Rachael joked, “You better wash your hands if you’re going to be handling food!” Rachael signed her newest cookbook for Victoria and the pair took pictures together. As the two said goodbye, Rachael told Victoria, “This is your home. You come back anytime.” It was a moment that the aspiring chef won’t soon forget.

Wish Granters: Maria Bracamonte & Melissa Sackman
Referred by: her mother
Adopted by: Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Glazer

Source: S.Fla Make a Wish

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you thnk? And is there a child that you would like to have MAW help? Contact us at dan@youngchronicle.com

Wish of the Week – Alan

By MWF/PIO
July 23, 2009

WWE Superstar John Cena

All it took was one look at WWE Superstar John Cena in action, and Alan became a pro wrestling fan. He was visiting a friend in 2004 when he caught a glimpse of a WWE match featuring Cena. Alan saw an unyielding, unflinching quality in Cena that he couldn’t resist.

“Every time somebody challenges him, he never backs down,” Alan said.

Alan Learns from Cena – Don’t Back Down

One day, Alan felt a bump on his shoulder that worried him. A week later, doctors performed an ultrasound. He was soon diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Believe it or not, Alan considered himself lucky – his form of Hodgkin’s is considered very treatable. Doctors told him to expect six months of chemotherapy and other treatments. He was ready to pile-drive his illness into submission.

Alan must’ve channeled John Cena’s fighting spirit – he beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma in just three months.

“It makes me feel great because a lot of people at my church were praying for me,” Alan says.

Now, Alan expects his chemotherapy port to be removed in a few months.

Celebrating his Victory

Alan’s wish began with a limo ride to the airport, a short flight, dinner at Medieval Times and a visit to Six Flags. Though he had a great time on the Mr. Freeze rollercoaster, the next day is where his wish was really ready to start.

At a local Dallas mall, Alan dropped into a GameStop store and was playing video games when John Cena “walked up all casual” to greet him. The two squared off for a few rounds of Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009. (See video at bottom of page.)

“He started stretching,” Alan says, laughing. “It was really funny!”

After losing a few matches, a gracious Cena signed his hat and handed it to Alan. GameStop rewarded Alan for his victory with a backpack filled with video games, t-shirts and a GameStop hat. Then, both were off to Monday Night Raw.

Ringside at Raw

Alan took yet another limo ride, this time to arrive at Monday Night Raw. Before the action started, he met Superstars Shawn Michaels and Jeff Hardy. Cena arrived, carrying a load of signed souvenirs for Alan – dogtags, wristbands, shirts and more.

That night, Cena lost to The Big Show.

“But only because The Edge interfered,” Alan insists.

After the loss, though, Alan’s prediction that Cena would win at Wrestlemania came true. And the loss did nothing to diminish the experience or his favorite Superstar.

“He’s bigger in person,” Alan says. “His whole arm is bigger than me!”

Please make a Donation

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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