Wishes do come true

It is always heartbreaking to see a child suffer. And it is difficult to understand why they are sometimes taken away from us so early in life. When the world still looms bright, large and lush in their eyes. When nothing is impossible. When dreams are fresh and untainted by skepticism or fear. When spirits are high and eager to embrace the future. When the future is brimming with hope, growth and newness.

Children are a delight to be with because of their innately positive nature. They cock their heads and look up at us with wide, curious eyes, telling us of their wishes as if they were large, sumptuous cookies stored in a brightly-colored cookie jar high above their tiny heads. Little do they know that some of them may never have the opportunity to grow tall and strong enough to reach that cookie jar. Even if they drank all the milk and ate all the spinach, which their mommies promised would make them strong like Popeye. It is a painful mystery, particularly to us adults who are perpetually trying to make sense of everything, that many children will not have the time to make their wishes come true. However, because of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the number of children unable to see their wishes come to life is not as daunting, although still heartbreaking.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is an international organization that grants the wishes of terminally-ill children, giving them a shot at the stars. They give these children a little push – possibly even a lift – until they are able to reach that wonderful cookie jar and bring a smile to their faces. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is like a granted wish in itself. And it all began with one brave little boy’s dream.

The Foundation started in 1980 after highway patrolmen in Arizona helped seven-year-old Christopher James Grecius realize his dream of becoming a police officer. Chris was diagnosed with cancer, but he had such a vibrant spirit that the officers of the Arizona Department of Public Safety worked to grant his wish. He was sworn in as an honorary patrolman, given an especially-made police uniform, and was even allowed to steer a squad car while seated on the lap of an officer. Two days after his inclusion in the force, he was hospitalized. He asked his mother to hang his uniform and helmet where he could see them. Three days later, he died.

It was Chris’s story that inspired the creation of the Grecius Make-A-Wish Foundation that later became the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. The organization drew the support of many enthusiastic volunteers and donors worldwide and has since granted thousands of wishes.

An affiliate was established in the Philippines through the efforts of Eduardo R. Santos. And the wish of the first Filipino "wish child," Christian Gerard Lanzar, was granted last December 31, 1999.

Christian, who was diagnosed with a blood disorder since birth, wished to "sing a song to the world." This was fulfilled when he sang with Regine Velasquez and 2,000 other kids at the grand fountain of the Manila Peninsula Hotel. The performance was beamed across the globe as part of the millennium celebration.

Since its formation in December 1999, Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines has granted 25 wishes and is working on making more come true. Some of the children’s wishes are simple and range from meeting their favorite movie stars to going to Disneyland. The foundation does its best to grant a child’s wish, no matter how difficult. Funding is always a necessary part in every endeavor, and the foundation’s organizers encourage more people to take part in this worthwhile undertaking.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has struck a chord in society and is surviving through the efforts and generosity of individuals as well as big and small companies. Affiliates have also been put up in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has set the following guidelines:

• The child must be between two and 18 years old at the time of the application.

• The child must have a life-threatening illness with the possibility of life expectancy not reaching beyond his or her 18th birthday.

• The wish must be the child’s not a family member’s or guardian’s.

• The child’s doctor must verify the child’s medical condition and sign a medical release.

• The foundation grants wishes regardless of socio-economic status.

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The Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines holds office at Unit 108, Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. Call 817-73-87 or 817-73-95, e-mail edb800@mnl.sequel.net. Pledges, donations and whatever form of support are welcome.