Greetings!
Well it’s late October and many children (and adults!) are planning how they will celebrate Halloween. Lots of people enjoy this time of year because it provides an “excuse” to dress up in a silly, wild, funny, scary or beautiful costume! I will never forget when I was 5 years old dressed up as “Peter Pan” walking proudly around our community center holding my grandpa’s hand – and I won a pink stuffed poodle!
When our wish kids are considering their one true wish, it typically becomes something like:
“I want to go …(to Disney World!)”
“I want to have …(a playhouse!)”
“I want to meet …(the Red Wings!)”
or “I want to be …(a Police officer!)”
Our “I want to be…” wishes remind me of special this time of year when anyone can dress up like a fairy princess, GI Joe, a big white bunny, a cowboy or wherever our imagination takes us! Yet, when our wish kids decide upon an “I want to be…” wish experience, we truly pull out all the stops! These wishes are truly extraordinary because they provide the opportunity for so many to become involved.
What is more special than a little girl wishing to be a Princess for a Day, or a teenage boy who wants to experience the opportunity to be a Police Officer?
The concept of the Make-A-Wish Foundation began in Phoenix, Arizona 29 years ago when Christopher Greicius wished to be a police officer. After Chris passed away, his mom, motor officer Frank Shankwitz and others touched by Christopher’s wish literally sat around the kitchen table and our now national, international and Michigan organizations were born! One little boy’s wish to be…created the opportunity for hundreds of thousands of other children impacted by life-threatening medical conditions to have a wish come true! How wonderful!!
Cadet Curtis!
Last year we had our very own police officer wish when Curtis, who like his brother and sister, battles tuberous sclerosis, was sworn in as the first honorary police cadet in the state of Michigan during an emotional ceremony. He stood so proudly and dapper in his uniform!
Princess Charlotte with our Fairy Godmother!
And of course there’s our princesses! Most little (and big!) girls adore the idea of being a Princess. When Charlotte from Southeast Michigan and Karlie from West Michigan each decided to wish to be a princess it was practically a dream come true for our rather “girly” Make-A-Wish team and our community volunteers. Pink and purple were the colors of the days for each of these delightful and beautiful princesses! With parades, royal presentations, dancing, food and extraordinary fun, two little princesses truly had their dreams come true!
Princess Karlie on her special day!
(Take a look at our amazing Tale of Two Princesses video)
So this year, follow your dreams and consider the opportunities all of us have to make a positive difference in our own lives and the lives of others! Enjoy the opportunity to BE and remember our very special “wish to be…” kids and help make their wishes come true.
Happy Autumn!
Fondly,
Susan
