Magnificent Make-a-Wish

Make-A-Wish has granted over 200,000 wishes to children since its beginning in 1980 when it granted one boy's wish to be a police officer.  Today, the foundation reports granting a child's wish in the U.S. every 40 minutes!

The organization serves children 2½ through18 who have a medical diagnosis with a life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.  After determining a child's eligibility, a volunteer is sent out to meet with the child and discover their one true wish. 

Common wishes are for trips to Disney, popular cities or even foreign countries; to travel and see far away family or friends; to live exciting careers; to receive special gifts such as play sets; or to meet famous people.  The wishes are as varied as you can imagine.  And the foundation magically makes them happen.

When my daughter Melissa was 16 (2004) we heard that other children with metabolic diseases similar to hers had qualified for a Wish.  We investigated the program and discovered that because of the life-threatening nature of her disorder, she qualified.  We applied and she was accepted.

I remember how exciting it was to sit down with her and explain the program.  We then had a long talk about what she might ask for.  We explained what other kids had received, but since she was already a "teenager" she had other ideas. 

The day came when the Make-a-Wish volunteer arrived at our door.  We all sat in the living room and she explained the program to Melissa and asked if she had decided what she wanted.  To our amazement, Melissa had come to the decision that she wanted to meet "teen idol" Hiliary Duff who at the time was the star of Disney television series Lizzie McGuire.  Hiliary had since branched out into movies and music.  While just a year older than Melissa, Hiliary was packing them in at concerts across the country. 

At hearing Melissa's wish, the volunteer smiled.  We were lucky because Hiliary was one of a small group of entertainers who regularly worked with the foundation.  Even more amazing was that Hiliary had an upcoming concert right here in Minneapolis. 

Make-a-wish did a great job orchestrating the event.  Melissa was given six front-row tickets to the concert.  She invited her mom and a small group of her best friends.  A big black stretch limo arrived the evening of the concert and carried them all downtown. 

Melissa received a special back-stage pass and had the opportunity to meet and talk with Hiliary before the concert. You can only imagine her excitement. Here they are posing for a once-in-a-lifetime picture.  Hiliary was great.  She was patient, asked Melissa a lot of questions and made Melissa feel totally at ease.

The best part was yet to come.  As Melissa and her friends sat in the front row enjoying the concert, Hiliary gave them a "shout out" between songs.  In that moment, they became part of the concert themselves.  And while it may seem a bit trivial, Hiliary gave Melissa a special gift that she will never forget.

Wishes are forever.  Even though this event happened six years ago, Melissa can tell the story as if it happened yesterday.  Make-a-Wish is truly Magnificent.  If you have the opportunity, please support their fine work generously.

PEACE