All of the children I am working on finding sponsors for live up north. Right now the northern states are having record breaking cold weather. I expected this week to go by slowly. I figured many people would be stuck inside there homes with the heat turned up in a warm, cozy blanket. To my surprise I was quite busy talking to people who were going out conquering the cold. They left home to face icy cold temperatures and still had kindness in their voices. Many were warm hearted and wanted to help a child in their area. I guess the saying “cold hands, warm heart” holds true.

Megan (Developent)

In the past month I have had three wishes that we consider “rush” wishes.  These wishes have to be done very quickly due to the condition of the children’s health.  These wishes are very intense because instead of the 45-60 day lead time we have just a few weeks or sometimes just a few days to plan the whole wish from beginning to end.

In the beginning of December I accompanied a young man, named Brandon from West Columbia, SC with Duchenne Muscular Dystropy to attend a WWE Wrestling event and meet his favorite wrestlers in Charleston, SC.  The WWE arranged this meeting for Brandon.  Allen from Carolina Wheelchair Getaways arranged for Brandon to have a wheelchair van delivered to his house.  Mt. Pleasant Shuttle donated transportation for the wish coordinator to and from the airport.  The Renaissance Charleston donated two lovely rooms for our stay.  There were many more local businesses who contributed to make this wish memorable for Brandon. 

Mid December I put a wish together for a little girl, named Elise from Cypress, TX.

Her condition is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and her only wish was to go to Disney World and meet the princesses.  Thanks to the Regal Sun Resort for coming to our rescue on such short notice. Not only did they provide a room for the family but they arranged for presents for Elise and her siblings!  They also arranged for her to have a character breakfast while on her stay.   

Late December I received another rush wish for a young man, named Tom from Mills River, NC.  Tom has osteosarcoma and his number one wish was to go on a deep sea fishing trip in the Florida Keys.  With less than a week notice, Captain Jimmie Gagliardini of High Caliber Sport Fishing Charters and Captain Dan Duimstra of Shark River Charters both agreed to take Tom and his family on two offshore fishing trips!

 The Ocean Reef Club of Key Largo arranged for his hotel stay and many local restaurants provided dinners for the family.  Alamo of Miami donated a car for the family and the day after Christmas, Tom’s wish was coming true! 

I just want to say thanks to all our sponsors without whom none of this would have been possible!  We can’t say enough good things about you and how you care for our kids!  Have a very Happy New Year!

Jill (Wish Department)

Every month we really enjoy seeing the pictures of our hero kids as they receive their packages, the looks on their faces are priceless and makes our job very rewarding! I want to say thank you to the facilities who participate in our hero of the month program, it is such a pleasure working with you all.

Deanna (Hero of the Month – Wish Department)

Going into the New Year I want to thank some wonderfully generous people! This past year I met some awesome people from companies, individuals, organizations and clubs across America who reached deep into their pockets to help fund wishes for our wish kids!  With their help we fulfilled 700+ wishes for some pretty amazing kids!  Wishes ranged from meeting their favorite celebrity to a shopping spree. 

I look forward to 2009 when we can fulfill even more wishes. 

Happy 2009!

Donna (Development Department)

There are many wonderful feel good opportunities when you are working for a great cause.  There are some wonderful people I get to talk to who really want to help. Then there are those who become sponsors and put me one step closer to funding the wishes. It’s always a fantastic feeling when a wish child has their wish fulfilled. But I think one of the things I anticipate the most is hearing the excitement when the day finally comes to have the wish granted. It’s great to hear how much fun they have, whether it’s a trip, a shopping spree or a brand new gadget they can’t get enough of. This week, Caleb will be getting his Xbox 360 and Evan is on his way to Legoland! I can’t wait to hear how much they loved their wishes! It makes it all worth while.

Megan (Development Department)

As we begin the new year of 2009 we are all faced with economic trials, but that truly hasn’t hampered the generous donors that have opened their hearts to our children across the miles. I find it humbling as they continue to support all the children and their wishes as these hard economic times continue. I hope they know how much they are truly appreciated.

Doris – Development Department

As a Hospital Coordinator as well as a part of the Editorial Staff, I am constantly reading the stories of children who have been through more than I could have ever imagined. The fact that they have been through so much at such a young age is remarkable in itself, but the most extraordinary part is (to me) the fact that these children keep up the most outstanding positive outlooks and attitudes! These children range in age from 3 to 18 and there’s hardly ever a melancholy one in the bunch. There are kids who have been in accidents, had multiple surgeries, have lost family members in accidents that they, too, were hurt in, etc.  It’s amazing. 

When I was 18, I was attacked by a dog and my right hand (my primary hand) was injured. All throughout the surgery, the hospital stay and the therapy sessions afterwards, I was depressed and simply could not keep up my usually sunny outlook. Even after I regained the use of my hand, it took me some time for my bright attitude to return.

These children that are nominated as Hero of the Month for their hospitals are simply awe-inspiring. They truly deserve the recognition they receive through our Hero program and so much more. Everything that they have been through would send most kids through a downward spiral of bad feelings and depression, but these children are courageous and strong of both heart and will. They persevere and inspire everyone around them with their tenacity of spirit. They are wonderful and continue to astound me with every nomination we receive. Amazing.

~Alicia
Editorial Department

Kids Wish Network was able to celebrate the Holiday Season by donating approximately $260,000 in merchandise to local charities through out the tricounty area! These donations brought much joy and laughter to children during the holiday season. Due to the difficult economic conditions this year, many local charities were unable to provide for these children that are either sick or underprivileged. We are so grateful and happy to be able to give back into our local communities that work very hard to provide for local children. What a great way to start the New Year!

Distribution Department

The Holiday Season is a busy time for everybody, so I just want to take the time to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year. I hope this year brings joy and happiness to everyone. Enjoy the fresh start!

Megan (Development)