Parent Talk / January 2007
Make a Wish
By Michelle Tharp
A birthday party with 150 of close friends and family sounds like something from a television show. But for one West Virginia child, the fantasy became a reality.
For her wish, seven-year-old Kristen wanted a birthday party fit for a queen. Kristen, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, refers to her fellow students at school as her “kids,” so it was only fitting they were an integral part of Kristen’s wish.
As Kristen’s guests arrived for the big day, they were greeted with all the sights and sounds of a real carnival. A DJ played party tunes as clowns juggled and made their way around all the carnival games. A professional magician kept the kids in awe during a magic show and rounded up some volunteers from the audience.
Of course, no birthday party would be complete without cake and presents. Kristen smiled and threw her hands up in the air as her guests sang “Happy Birthday.” Each of her classmates made Kristen a card and she received many wonderful presents.
At the end of the day when the last crumb of cake had been eaten and the last present unwrapped, Kristen was still smiling. Though she could have gone almost anywhere for her wish, Kristen was so happy she chose to share her birthday with her friends and family. And she will keep the memories of her wish for a lifetime.
Kristen is just one of many children who have been touched by the magic of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Wishes are a chance for children who are living with life-threatening medical conditions to forget they are sick and see the world in a new, positive light.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is an international non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. The Foundation encourages the entire family to be part of the wish experience, knowing that parents and siblings need magic just as much as the wish child.
The Foundation was founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona. A small group of people helped a very ill little boy achieve his wish-to be a state trooper for a day. Currently there are 69 chapters in the United States and nearly 30 international affiliates.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern West Virginia was founded in December 1991 in Charleston. The Foundation serves 23 counties of southern West Virginia. Two wishes were fulfilled the first year. After 16 years, thanks to the kindness and contributions of hundreds of dedicated and generous supporters, nearly 700 wishes have come true.
Michelle Tharp is the Regional Manager of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. For more information, call 304-342-9474, visit www.wishswv.org or email mtharp@wishworld.org.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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