"I MERELY TOOK THE ENERGY IT TAKES TO POUT AND WROTE SOME BLUES." - DUKE ELLINGTON
![]() “I wish to be, I wish to go, I wish to meet, I wish to have.” These are the magical questions in the wish-making process that have guided the granting of more than 1,700 wishes of children with progressive, degenerative, or malignant life-threatening medical conditions by Hudson Valley Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation . I recently had the privilege of attending the annual Wish Gala, and took few moments to speak with Denise D'Amico, Vice President of Program services, on the work of the Foundation. "Each child is guided in discovering their wish through a wish game. We try to get them to
think out of the box and come up with two wishes, and through the process of elimination, and we come up with a wish to be granted,” says Denise D’Amico. A dedicated staff of eight, along with community volunteers, and medical professionals keeps an average of 120 wishes, in the creative works throughout the year. Planting a garden, meeting the New York Yankees, throwing a party for medical staff who helped a child through cancer treatment - the wishes are deeply personal and unique to each child, “Doctors provide the medicine, we provide the magic,” says D’Amico. The actual wish itself is a gift to a child, but the wish process is also equally powerful. “It helps children and their families to focus on something positive, take a break from their illness," says D’Amico, “We often hear from wish kids later on. They’ve let us know that how pivotal their wish experiences were in their life, enabling them to envision a future beyond their illness.” D’Amico has worked at Make-a-Wish for 12 years strong, and I asked her what keeps her inspired. “I am energized by the wishes. There are always new wishes: I see how the wishes make a difference in giving the children and families the courage to fight on through difficult odds, and it inspires me to be a better person.”
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
I am a freelance writer whose work covers
a wide range of human-interest issues. My current areas of curiosity are stories on creativity, technology and health. My freelance projects include writing and social media consulting. Share This Website
Blog Topics
All
Health News LinksAble News
CNN Health Fitness and Nutrition Green Blog Health Care: NPR Healthy Minds: APA Science Times Shots: Health Blog The New Old Age Blog Well Blog Health NarrativesCopyrightNo part of this web site
or blog may be reproduced without written consent from the author. Reji Mathew, PhD - Writer © 2020 - All Rights Reserved. DisclaimerThe content and suggested links on this website- blog are for educational purposes only. They are not meant to substitute for advice from your health care provider. If you are in need of medical, therapeutic, or wellness care, please see a medical doctor or other qualified health care provider.
Pages Views |