Dr. James Fahner, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
As a children’s cancer specialist, it is my great privilege to help care for some of the most extraordinary children and young adults that you can imagine. These are kids who have had devastating challenges, and sometimes insurmountable odds forced upon them, along with a “new life” of surgeries, hospital stays, clinic visits, painful procedures, nauseating chemotherapy, hair loss, separation and isolation.
Dr. Fahner spends time with Zachary whose wish came true when he visited Disney World!
You might expect anger, bitterness and withdrawal – they would have every right. But you would be wrong: on a daily basis, I am filled with admiration – and awe – for their humor, their courage, for their strength, for their grace, for their concern for their parents, their siblings, and for the other children in clinic around them.
I often wonder, what could possibly fuel their resilience and their hope? There is no doubt that one part of that “prescription” is the opportunity to take part in a Make-A-Wish experience.
Rochelle, diagnosed with Leukemia, wished for a puppy. Tinkerbell provided a dose of hope & love that lasts & lasts!
Not a day goes by in our clinic that I don’t overhear excited plans for a Make-A-Wish trip, see photo albums brimming with family smiles taken during a recent wish adventure, watch as anxiety and concern over a lab test or clinic check-up melt into magical wish stories that change their day to one filled with anticipation, positive energy and joy.
I am grateful to be a part of that journey – you can be, too!
Tyler, diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, blasted off with a great wish to visit the NASA Mars Lander.
The need has never been greater: these are challenging financial times, and a difficult economy. So many wonderful friends and supporters are making wishes come true; we offer them our heartfelt thanks, and we offer you the opportunity to help make wishes come true – please join us on the Make-A-Wish journey!
With heartfelt thanks,
Dr. James Fahner, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan Chairman of the Board
Dr. Fahner participates in Madison's wish by attending her treehouse presentation!
Hi Jim and all my wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan friends! I very much enjoy reading the blog and learning various “wish news” – I continue to meet many amazing people who have been so very positively impacted by the magic of a wish come true via my new role with the Autism Alliance of Michigan. You are all in my thoughts. Many thanks to all for your kindness and generosity to children!! Love, Susan Lerch
Comment by Susan Lerch — March 19, 2010 @ 9:14 pm