Testimonials
'SOMETHING BETTER THAN MEDICINE: UTTER JOY'
"Please accept the warmest heart-felt thanks of an incredibly happy 10-year old boy, Michael, and his family for the overwhelming experiences and memories of a lifetime. Because of your investment of time and thoughtful attention to making his dreams come true, you provided something better than medicine: utter joy that lifted the spirits of the entire family to all-time highs, lasting for days and days, as little bits and pieces of his wish were revealed and granted. We have been truly blessed by your talents and generosity, and we are forever thankful... Seeing Michael run so confidently through the fireworks onto the field is a moment we will never forget and will treasure forever.
Despite some limitations, Michael is always looking for some athletic action; he is most comfortable with a ball in his arms... Make-A-Wish and the Pittsburgh Power have forever codified his love for sports and his place in the athletic world. You can be assured that for years and years hence, Michael, and his family will think back fondly to the time when he was the number one player of an incredible professional sports franchise. What a gift we have been given!
With deepest gratitude and
admiration,
Michael's Family"
Mick's wish was to be a member of the Pittsburgh Power arena football team.
MORE THAN A WISH
"You have truly been a blessing to our family in so many ways. In granting one wish for our son who they said wouldn't even live this long, Make-A-Wish actually did more than make his wish come true. You started a new outlook on life not for only him but our entire family. Alfonso has now started to make new friends and despite not being able to participate in sports, doesn't feel alone or left out. We love you sooo much, Erica and Kim (& the Make-A-Wish Foundation), for changing our lives. Thank you so much for continuing to be part of our lives!"
Alfonso's mom and family
Alfonso's wish was to have a St. Bernard puppy.
YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE
"Dear Make-A-Wish,
I cannot even begin to explain how thankful I am to everyone with Make-A-Wish and everyone that was involved with making my wish come true. It truly was an incredible experience that will stay with me forever. For a moment in time, I wasn't thinking about my medical issues. I wasn't thinking about doctors, upcoming procedures, or anything of the sort. I was excited, joyful, cheery and overall just happy. It wasn't because I got to meet [my favorite singer] (which was incredible), but it was simply because there are people out there like you who go to extraordinary lengths to help kids like me. I'm not sure if you know how much you have changed my life and how much you touch the hearts of my family and I every day. You have made me think differently about life in itself. I now take on everyday with more confidence and a different outlook. I am no longer afraid to take on each day. I am more accepting of my illness and I feel like because of you, I can do anything. Dreams do come true, mine did. Thank you.
Kayla"
Sadie's Hawaiian Vacation
Dear Make-A-Wish,
Our family would like to say thank you to you and everyone that has helped to make this trip one that we will never forget. Thank you to Amy Kane and everyone in the Wilkes-Barre Regional Office and to Sadie's volunteers, Frank Maher and Debbie Reese, for so much care (the boxes were GREAT). This trip gave us something to look forward to and helped us realize that life could feel normal again. A week after we returned, Sadie had another round of chemo, but we felt like we could handle whatever we needed to do. Spending the day at the hospital has never gone by so fast, as we got to show the nurses and doctors the beautiful pictures of Hawaii. Thank you for showing us people really do care and that we CAN do this, one day at a time!
Sincerely,
Sadie's Family
WISHES ARE THE BEST MEDICINE
Dear Make-A-Wish,
As a doctor I can take a history, perform a physical exam, make a diagnosis, and prescribe therapies or medications. Make-A-Wish is able to do for my patients what I cannot - give them an incredible wish of their choice that allows them to experience the joys of being a child. Many of my patients have wished to go to Disney World, and the trips they have taken have truly been unforgettable. Your organization and the organizations/Individuals you partner with to provide wishes have treated my patients and their families with unbelievable kindness, respect and generosity. I have never heard a negative comment from any of my patients/families about their Make-A-Wish adventure, be it a trip to Disney World, a visit with their favorite movie star or a local shopping spree. In fact, the first time I see a child after their wish is spent hearing fantastic stories of the trip, looking at pictures and watching them laugh.
Thank you again for everything you do to help children who are fighting for their lives enjoy a little bit of childhood. Your organization has helped my patients in ways that medicine cannot.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Choi, MD FAAP
The Paul C. Gaffney Diagnostic Referral Service
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
'LIKE STEPPING INTO A FAIRY TALE'
"I want to say "thank you" for our wonderful trip. It was a week that took us away from thinking about doctors appointments and hospital stays. It was like stepping out of our stressed life and into a fairy tale. Owen got to meet so many characters and he got all of their autographs, which he will cherish for the rest of his life....The staff at Give Kids the World were so pleasant and eager to meet our every need. I was so impressed with them. It is an awesome thing that the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World do! My family's hope is that more people find out about these two organizations. What you do for children with severe health problems is give them a "HOPE" and let them know that they are 'LOVED' by not only their families, but by many. I will be sure to use my voice and let everyone know what great things come from these two organizations and encourage people to give and to make more DREAMS COME TRUE!"
Owen's Mom
Wish: To go to Disney World
"I can't say enough good things about your foundation. What could be more worthwhile than giving enjoyment, relief and hope to these unfortunate but resilient children and their families? Not much."
Peter H. Shaw, MD
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
"My basement [game room] is amazing. Thanks for all of the time you spent with me to help me figure out all the details for my new game room. I greatly appreciate all that you did." Ben
Wish: Redecoration of Game Room
"One smile for one second makes volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation a true life-altering privilege."
Pauline Follmer
Berks County volunteer
"It's hard to describe but a degree of 'healing' and closure to the trauma of medical events, disease and despair that has ruled so much of our lives in the past 2½ to 3 years. This was a genuine celebration of TRIUMPH and perseverance and the treasure of being a 'normal' kid."
Perry's Family
Wish: To own a Fisher Price Harley Davidson Motorcyle
"(As health care professionals), while we focus on optimizing health and recovery related to our individual areas of expertise, it is important for us to acknowledge and support the needs of our patients and families in non-medical settings. I know that telling patients and families that roller-coast rides may be OK for our cardiology patients creates some angst for the cardiologist, but it creates unlimited joy for our patients."
Bradley B. Keller, MD
Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
"From the time Tom settled on his wish his energy level and outlook became 'happy.' He looked forward for the first time in many months. After his wish was realized, he still looked forward, to learning the computer games, to playing with what he calls 'big boy toys."
Tom's Mom
Wish: To go on a shopping spree
"We had a very stressful year. There were times when looking forward to the Make-A-Wish trip was the only thing that kept our son going. Our trip was a true family adventure that I couldn't have planned better."
Robert's Mom
Wish: Trip to Mexico
"For one week, Lukas had something to look forward to - other than medication administration, central line care, gastrostomy tube care and the never ending cycle of pain. His family will never forget the great time they all had with Lukas during the trip. It will live in their memories forever. . . . The value of fulfilling a child's dreams, particularly one who is very ill . . . is a noble service. I cannot say more about this exceptional organization."
Ram Chandra, MD
Pediatric and Adolescent Gastroenterology
"Julia's wish trip to Disney World created lifelong memories for our family and a time of joy for Julia, who endures so much."
Julia's Family
Wish: Trip to Walt Disney World® Resort
Spot Says… You can support the Make-A-Wish Foundation through your local United Way. Email us at email@wishworld.org to learn more.
Brittany, 15, English Bulldog
