Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Tammy Milligan and Melinda Kintz spoke about the well-known organization and brought it home for the club. For twenty years, Make-A-Wish has helped bring wishes to 2 ½ year olds to 18 year olds with life threatening illnesses, including but not limited
to, the terminally ill. The organization grants wishes for kids whether they want something as small as a puppy, to something larger like a trip to Hawaii, meeting a celebrity, or to be someone special (like publishing a book or being a superhero).

The women explained the granting process. Wishes take anywhere between three and six months to be granted, which is FOREVER for the children. During these months the volunteers do what are called enhancements to help pass the time.

One enhancement involved a local college student (Melinda’s neighbor) dressing up like a Disney princess for Delanie, a girl who wished to go to Disney World for the first time. Tammy and Melinda talked about two young Batavians in the program. David is a young man who wishes to meet Derek Rose and watch him play (it’s about time, right?). David will be getting VIP seats at the start of next season. And Tammy asked the club to donate a jersey for David to get signed. The enhancements are only given a budget of $20, so they rely heavily on volunteering and non-cash donations. The women gave kudos to Rick Pumo for his volunteer effort for the other Batavian, Sarah, an 8th grade girl diagnosed with cancer a year after her mother’s death. Sarah’s wish was to fly to Hawaii with her family. She had never been on a plane before and part of her enhancement was a private flight from Rick over her house and then up to Lake Geneva. Great work, Rick!

Make-A-Wish does wonderful things for young people that need just a little bit of hope. We thank them for sharing their amazing story.