All of the surveys for wishes granted, heroes recognized and gift banks delivered come through me. As I was going through a small stack today, I realized that there were some words that were constantly repeated in surveys from people and facilities all around the country, so I decided to post a few for you all to see. See?

Just reading these words will give you a feeling for the sorts of emotions and thoughts our programs cause all around the U.S. I think it’s just great to know.

~Alicia
Editorial Department

I’m coming up on my one year anniversary at Kids Wish Network. My job is to raise funds for childrens wishes. My first year went by so fast and I have tons of memories, but if I could choose my favorite, I’m reminded of Kim, who turns out to be one of the most favorite wish kids I’ve worked on funding. I couldn’t wait for her to get to go to Disney World!

Kim was one of the first children I ever worked on. I spoke to so many wonderful people who wanted to help her just as much as I did. But it wasn’t just about fund
ng her wish, it was a real learning experience for me and I made a new friend with just about every person I spoke to. My favorite part was seeing the photos Kim took while on her wish. That made it very real for me.

All of these children suffer from life-threatening illnesses. As hard as it is sometimes, you have to try to put yourself in their shoes. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear all the horrible things these children face daily. Many of them have to take medication every single day. Many don’t get to go outside to play and have fun like other children. Try to imagine being sick almost every day; I can barely handle getting the flu. It’s important to remember that each child we fulfill a wish for is a truly courageous. They deal with more in a few days than what some of us deal with in a lifetime.

All the wish kids I’ve helped are special and I hope they all know what a true inspiration they are to those around them!

Megan
Development Department

In working here at Kids Wish Network I’ve come to realize how precious life is and how we should treat each day as a gift and stop and smell the roses.

I was recently working on a wish for a little girl who passed away before we could actually complete her wish. It made me sad that she never got to experience her wish. It also made me realize that what we do here is real. We help kids who have dealt with pain and suffering sometimes their whole life. When the children know they are getting a wish it gives them something to look forward to, something to hold on to. Sometimes that is the only fun thing that they have coming up in the foreseeable future.

I’ve begun to realize that your house will always be there to clean, the weeds will still be growing in your yard but the special moments with family and friends can’t wait. We need to cherish them and enjoy them now. Celebrate each moment and don’t hold anything back. Wear that new dress now break out the good china for dinner tonight and eat your favorite meal on it, even if it is fattening. Don’t put off hold back or save anything that would add joy or laughter to your life now!

Jill
Wish Coordinator