10,000th Wish Granted
For four year old Kaeleigh, leaving for Walt Disney World is a dream come true. She probably has little idea that granting her wish is a major milestone for the volunteers and staff at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. With Kaeleigh's wish, the organization will have granted 10,000 wishes since being founded in 1985..
The Make-A-Wish Foundation provides a positive focus for children who must bear the burden of illness just as they begin to dream. Kaeleigh, of Lockport, was diagnosed with Short Bowel Syndrome, a life-threatening medical condition that does not allow her to properly absorb nutrients.
Typical in every other way, Kaeleigh likes to color and watch movies with her family. Usually a quiet girl, she gets really excited when she sees Disney characters. Make-A-Wish volunteers met with Kaeleigh and her family to plan her upcoming wish, which will include dinner with Mickey Mouse and Minnie. Her parents and brother will travel with her to Florida for the week, where Make-A-Wish has arranged for them to visit several theme parks in addition to her special dinner.
"Granting a wish for this special little girl is a great accomplishment for our chapter," said Stephanie Springs, Chief Executive Officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. "We have been able to reach so many children because of the generosity of our community. We know that there are many more children who could benefit from having a wish granted and we plan to continue to bring joy to thousands more children in the years to come."
About the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois
Through volunteer support and generous donors, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. Children are referred to the program by the medical professionals treating them or their parents and, once qualified, a wish is granted. More than 1,400 volunteers throughout the state help to deliver the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Celebrating 25 years of granting wishes in Illinois, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois grants continues to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy.
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