WINTER 2014
THE POLAR EXPRESS
Evan Takes a Wintry Ride
A PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE Dr. Catherine Gordon Witnesses the Power of a Wish
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Three Dedicated Women Love to Volunteer
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WE BREATHE LIFE INTO A CHILD’S SPIRIT. Thanks to current and continued advances in medicine, more than 70% of Wish Kids outlive their illness.
ms.wish.org
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LETTER FROM THE CEO
BRENT E . WIL SON
4 THREE WISHES GRANTED
J O L I S H A , M A I T LY N , A N D L U C A
6 THE POLAR EXPRESS
COV E R S T O RY
10 SEASON OF WISHES
S PE C I A L E V E N T S & G I F T S
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MAKE-A-WISH MISSISSIPPI STAFF BRENT E. WILSON PRESIDENT AND CEO
ROD HENDERSON
JANE WALSH
SWAYZE PENTECOST
TAMMY LOUVIER
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY OUTREACH MANAGER
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DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI
WISH COORDINATOR
SHELLIE MOSES
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
EMPLOYEE GIVING
RIVER HILL S CLUB
14 A PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE
D R . C AT H E R I N E G O R D O N
19 KIDS FOR WISH KIDS R O S A S COT T H I G H S C H O O L
21 30TH ANNIVERSARY
A Y E A R T O C E L E B R AT E
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MAKE-A-WISH MISSISSIPPI BOARD JAR RO D G R AY, C H A I R M A N HAT TIESBURG
DIANNA AINSWORTH MADISON
BENJE BAILEY JACKSON
JOEL BOBO JACKSON
VICKIE BURKES MADISON
CRAIG BUSBEA JACKSON
CHRIS ESPY JACKSON
PAXTON FARESE RIDGELAND
PATRICK GOUGH RIDGELAND
MAT T GRENFELL JACKSON
MICHAEL GRIFFIN HAT TIESBURG
GREG HINTON GREENVILLE
CHESLEY JAMES MADISON
DAN MODISET T CLINTON
STAN NEESE MADISON
JEREMY NELSON MADISON
MARK RANSIER MERIDIAN
SHERRY STEGALL RIDGELAND
JERRY SULLIVAN RIDGELAND
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Transformation.
That is what Make-A-Wish Mississippi is all about.
Photo credit: Clyde Graham 4
We transform the lives of our wish kids by granting them their most heartfelt wish. But the transformation doesn’t end there. The wishes also transform their families, wish granters, volunteers and donors. Together, we can transform and be transformed. Looking back on the past year, we celebrate the lives of over 100 children that received a wish. A wish that strengthened them, gave them hope, gave them something to look forward to, and transformed them. These transformations would not be possible if not for you, our donors and supporters. But we are not content. We want to celebrate more wishes. It is our vision that every eligible child in Mississippi experiences that feeling. To expand our reach, we are increasing our efforts both inside and outside the office. One improvement comes with the GameChanger. The GameChanger is a bi-annual publication reaching throughout our territory to tell stories worth celebrating: stories of dream trips to meet princesses, new tree-houses, and white sandy beaches. By spreading this good news, we hope to reach more families and more children that may qualify for a wish. When you finish reading, pass this along to a neighbor or friend. Let’s get everyone connected to the magic of celebrating a wish granted. We hope you are inspired (and transformed) by the strength of the children’s stories in the next few pages. Our Wish Kids are heroes. They are full of drive, full of ambition, ready to take on their illnesses head first. Help us ensure that more kids like Tnya have a wish come true. Give Hope. Give Strength. Give Joy. Sincerely,
Brent E. Wilson President and CEO
PUT IT ON AUTOPILOT! One of the easiest ways to donate to Make-A-Wish Mississippi is to make a monthly pledge. Heres how: 1. Go to ms.wish.org/donate 2. Click on “Monthly Pledge” 3. Pick a date 4. Pick an amount 5. Choose the Make-A-Wish Mississippi local chapter to receive your donation 6. Click “Save” Thank you so much for helping us reach our goal of granting the wish of every eligible child in Mississippi. 5
T H R E E
W I S H E S
G R A N T E D
Jojo’s Wish J
olisha’s life changed forever the summer before she turned sixteen. A once vibrant, outgoing girl began falling down and acting confused. Her mother took her to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital where she was soon diagnosed with Glioblastoma.
Jolisha’s wish granters came to visit her while she was receiving chemo treatments in the cancer clinic. She seemed a little upset at first; she had just missed her prom and her own sweet sixteen birthday party due to her illness. She was incredibly quiet at first, but then Jolisha, “Jojo”, lit up as her wish granters began asking her what she would wish for. In true teenager style, Jojo wished to go on a shopping spree. She had never shopped outside of her hometown of Greenville, so she wished to go on a royal shopping spree, fit for a princess, at Northpark Mall. The morning of her wish, Jojo was surprised and full of joy as a limousine pulled up to her house to take her and her mother shopping. Inside, the limousine was filled with balloons and all things Hello Kitty (Jojo’s favorite!) Her mother immediately texted one of the wish granters saying “We feel so important!” Jojo and her mother arrived at the mall in style. As she stepped out of the limo, Jojo was greeted by her wish granters and a news team from WAPT. Feeling like a rockstar, Jojo was lit up with excitement as she told the news team all of the details about the limousine. After her wish granter placed a crown on her head, Jojo was ready to be escorted around the mall and start shopping. First stop was Build a Bear where Jolisha chose to build Hello Kitty! Jojo stuffed the Hello Kitty, gave her a heart, bathed her then picked out an adorable outfit for Hello Kitty to wear. The shopping spree continued as Jojo bought more clothes, purses, jewelry and accessories than one can imagine. A quick pit stop for lunch refueled the group. Then it was time 6
for more shopping. Jolisha made quick friends with the ladies at the MAC makeup counter. Jojo felt like a princess as she lived out a sixteen year old girl’s dream. Makeup, clothes, purses… what more could a girl ask for? Jolisha summoned the limousine driver, and it was time to move on to the next location, Best Buy. Employees greeted Jolisha with balloons and smiles. Jolisha had two personal shoppers that helped her pick out a TV, some speakers and lots of Hello Kitty accessories. This sweet young lady with a heart of gold even thought of her younger brother and sister and bought them a tablet so that they did not feel left out of the shopping spree. At the end of the shopping spree, Janice, Jolisha’s mom teared up. She exclaimed how wonderful the day was, and how happy she was to see Jojo so happy. The cancer has caused a lot of pain and suffering in this teenager’s life. Janice enjoyed watching her baby have a day filled with laughter, smiles and joy. “She is going to remember this day forever, it made her feel like a beautiful princess”- Janice.
“She is going to remember this day forever, it made her feel like a beautiful princess.”
Maitlyn’s Wish M
aitlyn was just a normal little girl, enjoying life as a triplet, doing normal 10 year old things, that is until she suddenly became ill on a trip to Dollywood. Soon after, Maitlyn was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. Her life was turned upside-down as she went from a young girl that loved swimming and playing with her sisters to spending her time in and out of the hospital for treatment.
Maitlyn was thrilled to get out of school a week early and head to the Smoky Mountains with her two sisters (she’s a triplet!), her mom and her dad, and a large group of her extended family. She doesn’t remember much of her trip, however, except that was when she got “sick”. Following the trip, Maitlyn would spend the next four months in the ICU due to a rare kidney disorder. She was put to sleep 10 times in 2 weeks for different procedures. Jennifer, Maitlyn’s mom, recalls not knowing if they would ever get to leave the ICU, “I just remember thinking I would do anything to make it stop. One particular night, all I remember is leaning against the wall and falling to the floor. There was nothing I could do for her”. Thankfully, after four months, Maitlyn was finally released from the ICU. After that, she would be at the hospital every day for dialysis. It was when she was cleared to do home dialysis that her family first was approached about Make-A-Wish. “I had always known the name, but I thought it was only for terminally ill children that were dying. I freaked out, I told the social worker that my baby was not that sick,” said Jennifer. Jennifer then was convinced by others that this was a necessity, and it was not just for terminally ill children. Their nurse told them, “I saw what y’all went through, you need this, you need this as a family”. Maitlyn and her sisters could not contain their excitement. They brainstormed for days what her wish would be. Maitlyn decided that she wanted to go back to the Smoky Mountains. “I wanted
to go back to the Smoky Mountains and enjoy a trip. That is where I got sick, and I don’t remember anything from it.” When approached by her Make-A-Wish wish granters, Maitlyn had her wish already picked out. She wished to go back to Dollywood! After a miserable trip the year before, Maitlyn wished to go back and actually enjoy the trip and have fun with her family. On July 14, 2014, Maitlyn, her mom, dad and two sisters hopped in the car and drove to the Smoky Mountains. They arrived at Wilderness at the Smokies Lodge. The hotel is filled with indoor and outdoor waterparks, rock climbing walls, and lots of fun activities. The family enjoyed day trips to the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, and most importantly Dollywood. Maitlyn’s mom thanked Make-A-Wish for the “much needed family time” after they had returned from the trip. “We NEEDED this family time,” said Jennifer, “When we got there, I was able to leave everything behind. I didn’t have to worry if Maitlyn was okay, if she had enough medicine, etc. The constant ‘Maitlyn’s got a kidney disease’ fear that always hung over my head was out of sight, out of mind.” Jennifer and her husband’s hearts were filled with joy as they were able to see her three daughters enjoy quality time together. While Maitlyn was in the ICU, one sister lived with a grandmother, and the other sister had to live with an aunt. Everyone’s lives were completely flipped upside down. This trip was a chance for the family to be together, and it gave them normalcy. “Words cannot express how much this meant to us. Make-AWish helped Maitlyn and her sisters be kids again. It brought my family back together.”- Jennifer.
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Luca’s Wish W
hen Luca was two years old, he was diagnosed with two forms of cancer, which means that he has had life threatening medical conditions most of his five years of life. His father Nicholas talks about how little Luca has been forced to face so many challenges, drugs, surgeries, complications and heart ache. But through it all, Luca never gives up and exhibits an incredible spirit. Rachel, Lucas’ mom, had known about Make-A-Wish for many years prior to Luca’s diagnosis, so in Spring 2014, she called to apply for her little boy to have his wish granted. When Luca and his parents met with the Make-A-Wish wish granters in their home, they helped Luca determine that his wish was to meet “the real, spectacular Spiderman.” In August 2014, Luca’s wish came true! The family flew to Orlando, Florida, and received VIP access to Disney World and Universal Studios for five days, including a stay at Give Kids the World Village. They stayed in a house at this beautiful “story book resort” and enjoyed meals at the Gingerbread House, where Luca tried to tear off pieces of gingerbread and eat them. They also enjoyed the Ice Cream Palace and daily entertainment, including a meetand-greet with Goofy. Over the next five days, the family visited almost every theme park Disney and Universal offer and quickly realized how much Luca enjoys roller coasters! Then it came time for Luca to get his actual wish. First he and his parents attended a parade of Marvel characters with Luca dressed in full Spiderman mode. Then they were escorted to a private room where superheroes began to appear and talk to Luca. Finally, Spiderman entered the room, and to everyone’s surprise Luca greeted him with one of his idol’s famous poses. The two hit it off immediately, exchanging high-fives, poses and autographs. It was such an unforgettable day that Luca still talks about meeting the “real, spectacular Spiderman.”
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Luca’s parents are grateful for such an inspiring and heartwarming experience. They tell us that this was an epic trip and provided Luca a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, by bringing a great deal of happiness to his life. “He now has incredible memories of a time spent only thinking about what fun thing to do next. The three of us are now committed to figuring out ways to pay it forward.” -Nicholas.
“He now has incredible memories of a time spent only thinking about what fun thing to do next. The three of us are now committed to figuring out ways to pay it forward. ”
Make a lasting impression by crafting your legacy.
A planned gift to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi, such as a bequest in your will or trust, life insurance designations, or stock donation ensures your support for the children we serve well into the future. You’ll do more than help grant wishes, you will impact our wish kids for years to come. Please let us know if you’ve named the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi in your estate. For more information, see ms.wish.org/plannedgiving. 9
THE POLAR EXPRESS Just days after his second birthday, Evan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In a blog post by Evan’s mom, Mary, she wrote “Until Monday, October 18, 2010, I could have never imagined how drastically life could change in just one day.”
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That day was the day Mary received the phone call asking them to leave immediately and bring Evan to the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. In a period of five days, Evan endured numerous tests, x-rays, a bone marrow aspiration, a port implant, a spinal tap, chemo treatments, and lots and lots of lab work. After eleven days in the hospital, Evan was allowed to go home. The family then started traveling to New Orleans on a weekly basis, sometimes even a couple times a week. This would then go on for three and a half years. Life changed drastically, as Mary put it, for their family. Families experience stress on jobs, families, relationships. Evan’s little brother Luke was just three months old when Evan was diagnosed with cancer. Luke went to the hospital and attended treatments with Evan. “He doesn’t know anything different,” said Mary and her husband, Adam, “That [hospitals and treatments] is all he’s known his whole life.” The impact of the cancer did not only resonate in Evan, it was a family battle. Two days after Evan was diagnosed, Mary and her husband Adam received some advice from a nurse that would stick with them through the entire fight against cancer, “Sometimes you just gotta take it hour by hour, even sometimes minute by minute, or second by second.” That is how their family would push through. They lived appointment to appointment, treatment to treatment, and they continued to move forward. While in the hospital, Evan would watch train videos over and over, and over again. His mother said he watched the same train video at least thirty times during their initial hospital visit. That is where the train obsession began. Evan was even playing with trains when his wish granters from Make-A-Wish visited his house. It was obvious right off the bat what Evan would wish for. He wished to ride a steam engine train through the snow, not a diesel train, a real steam engine. The wish experience began even before Evan and his family boarded a train. The airplane ride was a big adventure for a couple of young children who had never traveled on a plane. The world changed as they left humid Mississippi and arrived in a cold and snowy Durango.
Adam and Mary were stunned as they realized that everything was taken care of for their trip. A rental car awaited them at the airport. They then arrived at the hotel where the train company had already decorated their room with train books and goodies for Evan. The first day was filled with all things train related. Evan got all dressed up in his conductor outfit. The employees at Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad gave Evan and his family a tour of the entire steam engine train. They allowed Evan to sit up front in the train where he even was able to pull the whistle, a young boy’s dream! Evan was in total awe as the train engineers told him about every part of the train and how the train works.
“It makes your heart so whole to see your child do exactly what he wanted to do; the one thing in the entire world that he wanted” After the tour of the train, the family took a six hour train ride around Colorado. The train staff treated the family like royalty. Evan’s parents exclaimed how they had never “seen him sit in one place and be so excited without getting into something in his entire life. He was glued to his seat and looking out the window the whole time.” As they were riding up and down the mountain, it started to snow. “I remember the moment it started snowing and watching him on the train. It is something I will never forget. It makes your heart so whole to see your child do exactly what he wanted to do; the one thing in the entire world that he wanted,” said Mary. Evan’s Make-A-Wish trip gave him a break from treatment. He had already been through two years of treatment, but had several treatments ahead of him. During his trip, Evan did not have to think about doctors or medicine, his only focus was the train and the snow. “Getting to do his Make-A-Wish was a topic of conversation for a long time. He’s never going to forget it,” said Adam.
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‘tis theSeason to Share the Po�� of �Wish® For many people, the holidays are more about giving than receiving. Even some of the wish kids battling life threatening medical conditions chose to use their wish to help others. We’ve experienced wishes such as needing new band instruments for a high school, to rebuilding a daycare after it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.
Following the tree lighting ceremony, Make-A-Wish Mississippi volunteers will be at the Outlets each weekend leading up to Christmas. They will have ornament sales and a gift wrapping booth, all proceeds going to grant wishes to Mississippi children! For more ways to get involved this holiday season, visit our website at www.ms.wish.org.
This year, giving back is easier than ever. The Season of Wishes campaign, and our associated holiday sponsor programs, will offer families, neighbors and friends simple ways to help grant the most heartfelt wish of a Mississippi child battling a life-threatening medical condition.
Without friends like you, wish experiences simply wouldn’t be possible. And for children with lifethreatening medical conditions, a world in which wishes come true is brighter and more hopeful ... it’s full of possibility and potential, not only with the hardships of a medical condition.
This year we will kick off Season of Wishes on November 22 during a tree lighting ceremony at the Outlets of Mississippi. We will have several wish kids present for the lighting ceremony. Rumor has it Santa Claus himself will be picking a special helper to have the honor of lighting the tree!
For children who’ve endured far too much at such early ages, the joy of a wish experience can be truly transformative. During our Season of Wishes® campaign, we sincerely hope you’ll decide to give the gift of hope, strength and joy. Because hope, after all, is what the holidays are really about.
Events
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New Wish, New Year December 31, 2014 Harlow’s Casino Resort and Hotel Greenville, Mississippi
Be A Hero 5K December 5, 2014 Florence Gardens Gulfport, Mississippi
Join us as we kick off 2015 making new wishes come true. What is your New Year’s Resolution? Let’s all make bringing hope and joy to Mississippi children at the top of our list. Bet with your heart and ring in the New Year with Make-A-Wish Mississippi. Don’t miss this VIP event. ms.wish.org/events
Calling all superheroes for the Make-A-Wish Be a Hero Winter 5K and Walk on December 5th at Florence Gardens in Gulfport. Dress up as your favorite superhero for a USTAtimed 5K course. Children 12 and under will race a one mile fun run. Registration is 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Children’s One Mile Fun Run begins at 5:30 p.m. with the 5K taking off at 5:45 p.m. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Mississippi. Visit ms.wish.org/events for more information.
ms.wish.org/seasonofwishes
Ways to Give Outlets of Mississippi November 22, 2014-December 24, 2014 You can bring hope, strength and joy to a child in Mississippi this holiday season by visiting the Outlets of Mississippi. Purchase an ornament to decorate our giant Make-A-Wish ® Mississippi tree or save the hassle of wrapping gifts and let our volunteers handle it for you. To find out more, visit ms.wish.org/seasonofwishes. Subaru “Share the Love” Event November 20, 2014 – January 2, 2015 Subaru of America has selected Make-A-Wish as one of four charities benefiting from the Subaru “Share the Love” campaign this holiday season. Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the purchaser’s choice of participating charities. Find a dealer nearest you at Subaru.com. Wish Star Sales Now-December 31, 2014 Community members have been seeing blue Wish Stars pop up in their favorite businesses statewide, thanks to their partnership with Make-A-Wish Mississippi. You can make wishes come true by purchasing a blue Wish Star in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. For participating locations, visit ms.wish.org/seasonofwishes. Wishes in Flight ® Air Mile Donations Now- December 31, 2014 Put your unused Delta, United or US Airways airline miles toward the hundreds of flights used by Mississippi wish families each year and watch your miles turn into smiles. Your gift will make a real difference in the life of a Mississippi child battling a life-threatening medical condition. Once your miles are donated, they will never expire. Donate today at ms.wish.org/miles.
Gift Ideas Make-A-Wish® Holiday Cards You can help grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Purchase your holiday greeting cards through the Make-A-Wish ® Season of Wishes ® Holiday Card program. Every card features artwork inspired by wish kids. To order, visit ms.wish.org/ seasonofwishes. To learn more about card availability and fulfillment options like custom imprinting, please contact Swayze Pentecost at swayze@ms.wish. org or 601.366.9474 ext 1303. Make-A-Wish ® 2015 Calendar Celebrate our very own Mississippi Wish Kid Evan as he is the cover model for the 2015 Make-A-Wish Calendar! This 11”x17” full-color wall calendar features stories of 12 inspiring wish children. To purchase, contact Swayze Pentecost at swayze@ms.wish.org or 601.366.9474 ext 1303. Availability is limited, so order now! Things Remembered Engravable gifts Things Remembered is continuing a 17-year tradition this holiday season by offering a line of products that benefit Make-A-Wish. Ornaments and snow globes are available in stores and online, and Things Remembered will donate $2 of the purchase price, with a guaranteed minimum $150,000 donation. Learn more at thingsremembered.com/makeawish. Mississippi Cheese Straws This holiday season we are teaming up with Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory. Wish Kid Toni designed a beautiful gift tin that would make the perfect holiday gift for friends and loved ones. For purchasing information, visit ms.wish.org/seasonofwishes. A proceed of sales will benefit Make-AWish Mississippi.
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River Hills Club
Makes Wishes Come True C
ary Spence, the General Manager at River Hills Club in Jackson started an employee giving campaign in 2009 as a team-building effort for his employees. River Hills club gives employees the option to contribute to Make-A-Wish Mississippi during each of their pay periods. Together, the employees at River Hills work to make wishes come true. Workplace giving campaigns are a time-honored tradition, but the benefits do not solely belong to the charity receiving the donation. “It means a great deal to the team at River Hills to do something as a group for someone that is deserving. It also helps the employee group accomplish something that no single employee could do on their own,” said Spence. This year, River Hills Club raised enough funds through their workplace giving program to Fund-AWish. Together, the employees celebrated Wish Kid Hannah. Hannah and her family were greeted by smiling employees as they showered her with gifts at her Wish Reveal party that took place at River Hills Club. Hannah was overwhelmed with joy. The party was complete with a cake depicting her favorite college team, her name spelled in chocolates, her favorite meal (spaghetti) and lots of balloons. Later, she even got to meet the Club’s tennis pro, who also came from her favorite college! Since 2009, River Hills has granted three wishes for Make-A-Wish Mississippi. Visit our website for more i n for mat ion on Workplace Giv i ng : ms.wish.org/workplacegiving.
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More than 74% of all wishes involve travel. Through our Wishes in Flight 速 program, you can help us grant more wishes by donating your frequent fl ier miles. Delta, United, US Airways, Jet Blue and Continental all have programs benefitting Make-A-Wish. Every mile donated helps wish kids and their families travel to destinations they never dreamed they would see. Once donated, your miles will never expire and are used to support the wishes granted to children in Mississippi. For more information and to donate, visit ms.wish.org/miles.
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M
ake-A-Wish Mississippi has over 150 volunteers across the state. Twenty-nine of those volunteers reside in Madison County. Three of them belong to the Enstrom family. Mona Enstrom, Lauren Cantrell and Megan Hodges have been granting wishes to children in Mississippi with life-threatening medical conditions for over a decade. Together, there truly is no telling how many lives the three have touched through their dedication in helping give hope, strength and joy to children battling illnesses. Since its inception in 1985, Make-A-Wish Mississippi has granted over 1,650 wishes. With the help of volunteers, or “wish granters” as they are called, children facing tough battles are able to receive their most heartfelt wish. It takes a special person to take on this responsibility. It takes people like Mona, Lauren and Megan. People filled with kindness, compassion and selflessness.
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Mona Enstrom became a wish granter for Make-AWish Mississippi over fifteen years ago. “Make-A-Wish has given me a better understanding of how lucky we as parents are that our children are healthy. So many families that have children with life-threatening illnesses face many challenges everyday,” said Mona, “They have to give up so much. Until you volunteer and actually meet these children and their family, we do not have a real understanding of what they are going through.” Mona not only serves as a wish granter, but she also works on the committee for the Annual Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament and sponsors the annual Evening of Wishes Gala. Furthermore, she has enlisted several others to become a part of the organization, others such as her twin daughters, Lauren and Megan. Mona instilled the importance of helping others in need into her daughters, and that is evident through their commitment to philanthropy. For the Enstroms, Make-A-Wish is a family affair.
Lauren and Megan grew up watching their mom volunteer for Make-A-Wish. When asked how long they had been volunteering, the two replied with “as long as we can remember.” Lauren and Megan both became wish granters as soon as they moved back to Madison after college. Together Lauren and Megan have granted over fifteen wishes in just a few years and have recruited 7 additional wish granters for Make-A-Wish. So why do they volunteer for Make-A-Wish? Besides following in their mother’s footsteps, Lauren and Megan had two inspiring answers. “Granting the child’s wish doesn’t only impact the wish child; it impacts all of their loved ones. Sometimes it is overseen how much the child’s family and friends have been through because of the child’s illness. It’s so nice to give these children and their families a sense of normalcy while enjoying their wish,” said Lauren.
“Make-A-Wish has shown me how fortunate I am to be alive and healthy and not to take even the smallest things for granted. It has shown me to look for the best in a given situation,” Megan exclaimed, “I love being around and helping kids. This organization is something positive for the kids that are facing some very hard battles in their lives.“ Mona, Lauren and Megan’s dedication to helping kids get a wish is inspiring. Want to become a wish granter, too? Visit www.ms.wish.org for more information on how to get involved.
This story originally appeared in Madison County Magazine.
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LOOK NO FURTHER.
For an educational, motivational and inspirational program that everyone in your audience will enjoy, schedule a presentation from a member of our Make-A-Wish Mississippi Speakers Bureau. The stories of our Wish Kids are enthralling. The work of Make-A-Wish and our goals for the future are sure to impress. And the many often very simple ways you can join us in bringing hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families will motivate you to take action. To request a speaker, contact Swayze Pentecost at 601-366-9474. 18
A Physician’ s Perspective Dr. Catherine Gordon is a Pediatric Oncologist and Hematologist at Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. One of the best parts of her job is that she gets to sign the piece of paper that says the patient actually has a medical diagnosis that would qualify that patient to receive a wish. As she puts it, “The joke is that they can always find Dr. Gordon to sign any patient’s wish because I enjoy doing that so much. But I always have to find out what the wish will be in order for me to sign the paper. That’s the qualification.”
Dr. Gordon explains, “Patients receiving a wish are typically more willing to be compliant with their medications. Things that can be associated with coming to the clinic, like nausea and anxiety, are lessened, so it makes a huge difference for them to have something positive in their life.”
When a child is stricken with a life-threatening illness, doctors don’t just treat the patient, the child. They treat the whole family. Dr. Gordon says it is very visible how the treatment takes a toll on the Dr. Gordon explains that having a wish granted by family. Parents often cannot go to work, and it takes Make-A-Wish makes a signifi cant impact on the a financial toll on the family. It becomes difficult for lives of children suffering life-threatening medical them to enjoy the simple, fun things in life. “For a conditions. So much goes into the treatment protocol patient and the family to have a wish granted is for treatment of cancer or chronic conditions, that truly a blessing for everyone,” explains Dr. Gordon. the patient has to develop a “When something good can mind-over-matter approach. come out of a devastating She emphasizes that it is very diagnosis and they have important for children to have the opportunity to meet the “When something good can something to look forward to, folks at Make-A-Wish, it really come out of a devastating which is often a diffi cult thing makes a huge impact on diagnosis and they have to accomplish when they are their mentality.” sick and have to come to the the opportunity to meet the clinic on a regular basis. Dr. Gordon encourages folks at Make-A-Wish, it really everyone to understand makes a huge impact on The wish granting process the power of a wish and the their mentality.” gives the child something value of Make-A-Wish as an positive to anticipate, and organization devoted to the in many cases motivates the well-being of children. “The child to feel better. It also sole purpose of Make-Aprovides the family with a rare opportunity to see Wish is to make children happy. There is no better their child happy and being able to do something organization to donate to than one whose sole that is completely unrelated to the disease. purpose it to make children happy.”
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Wouldnt it be wonderful if you could grant wishes and make dreams come true? As a volunteer at Make-A-Wish Mississippi you can do just that!
Whether you’re a student or an adult, there are so many rewarding volunteer opportunities for you. You can become a Wish Granter or help plan one of our signature events like the annual Evening of Wishes Gala or the Martini Shakedown. With experience, many of our volunteers join our Speaker’s Bureau. Students love to get involved in our Kids for Wish Kids program. Others enjoy assisting at community events or serving as an airport greeter for Wish Kids and their families arriving in Jackson. There is often office support work that needs to be done, and college students are eager to apply for our internships. Just go to ms.wish.org/volunteer to apply. 20
KIDS FOR
WISH KIDS Mary Drew was a little overwhelmed as she walked into Rosa Scott High School and realized that the students had planned an entire pep rally just for her. Sixteen year-old Mary Drew has a respiratory condition. She is homeschooled, but was invited by Rosa Scott School to their fund raising fi nale through the Kids for Wish Kids® Program. The school raised $5,000 for Make-A-Wish in order to grant wishes like Mary Drew’s wish to go to Los Angeles. Entering the gym, Mary Drew ran through a tunnel of cheerleaders and dancers. Mary Drew, her mother, and a friend sat front and center as Rosa Scott honored Mary Drew with cheers, a drum line performance, and an entire video made by students and Rosa Scott teachers that featured Mary Drew’s favorite things. The event concluded with groups of students wishing Mary Drew an amazing time in Los Angeles.
Mary Drew and her mother beamed with joy while tears streamed down their faces. “All I can say is WOW what a great bunch of kids! Thanks for working so hard for Make-A-Wish and making my Mary’s day so special. She will absolutely never ever forget how she felt…” said Mary Drew’s mother. She went on to say how much she appreciated all the hard work and time spent by Rosa Scott students honoring Mary and her wish. Rosa Scott held numerous fund raisers over a couple of weeks and met their goal of $5,000. Rosa Scott has participated in Kids for Wish Kids for the past five years. They are already in the process of planning for next year’s fund raisers. Make-A-Wish Mississippi appreciates all of the hard work of Rosa Scott High School and this year’s fund raising head, Mrs. Jennifer Ellenburg.
I ns tead of sel l i ng o r trading--donate your car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, RV, fleet vehicle or boat today for a charitable tax deduction. The vehicle doesn’t even have to run! For complete information, see ms.wish.org.
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Happy Birthday Make-A-Wish Mississippi!
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2015 will mark 30 years of granting wishes to children in Mississippi. Over 1,700 wishes have been granted during the past thirty years; those wishes include countless plane tickets, hotel rooms, and memories to last a lifetime for the 1,700+ wish kids and their families. This would not have been possible if not for our generous donors, volunteers, community organizations, wish kids and wish families! For Make-A-Wish Mississippi, this milestone marks a starting point. As we gaze into the next thirty years of Make-A-Wish, our dream is to reach every eligible child and grant their most heartfelt wish. Our goals are to increase the awareness of Make-A-Wish, provide more unique and engaging fundraising opportunities, and also celebrate and thank those who have helped us get to where we are today. Throughout 2015, we will be celebrating all of those who have made this organization successful. We are seeking out to find as many of the 1700 wish kids and families as we can, as well as board members and volunteers. Do you know someone who has been involved in MakeA-Wish Mississippi? Be sure and contact us!
ms.wish.org
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NEWS & EVENTS WINE AND WISHES Yates Construction held their first annual Wine and Wishes event at the Capitol Club in downtown Jackson on October 2, 2014. The night was filled with gourmet food, premier wines, exciting entertainment and a silent auction featuring wine and unique experiences. Wish Kid Tnya was the guest of the evening. She danced around in a beautiful blue ball gown and even gave guests an exciting surprise as she sang her favorite song following the auction. Thank you to Yates Construction for making many wishes come true! (Photo credits Clyde Graham)
MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE In 2014, Mississippi College joined the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference. In the spirit of service, NCAA Division II student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, fans, friends and communities are working hard to make a difference in the lives of Make-A-Wish families through their fundraising efforts. Mississippi College dove head first in their first year as NCAA Division II, and the athletes are already busy raising funds to sponsor a wish for a Mississippi Wish Kid this school year. In the picture above, Wish Kid Jerome and his brother David enjoy hanging out with Mississippi College athletes for the day.
AN EVENING OF WISHES An Evening of Wishes Gala, held May 3, 2014, at the Jackson Country Club, was our biggest Make-A-Wish Gala to date! Guests arrived donned in their Kentucky Derby attire and enjoyed mint juleps before being seated for dinner. During dinner, Wish Kid Christopher judged the Best Hat contest. Then, an awe inspiring moment of joy came as Christopher found out his wish had been granted. A brand new camper was waiting just outside the door for him. Pictured right is the Master of Ceremonies Randy Watkins and Wish Kid Christopher. (Photo credits Social South Magazine and Terri Le)
DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY Just one year removed from raising $303 and ranking at the bottom of the Gulf South Conference’s leaderboard for fund raising for Make-A-Wish, the Delta State Statesman and Lady Statesmen raised $8,154.62 in the 2013-2014 school year, leading the GSC and finishing fifth nationally in MakeA-Wish NCAA Division II fund raising. Throughout the school year, the DSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee held fund raisers at sporting events and around Cleveland to raise enough money to fund a wish. At their 2013-2014 athletic banquet, Delta State University revealed to Wish Kid Quatoiya that she would be traveling to Mall of America for an ultimate shopping spree! Thank you Delta State Statesmen and Lady Statesmen for your continued support! 24
NEWS & EVENTS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, VISIT MS.WISH.ORG
TEE IT UP FOR WISHES This year’s Tee It Up For Wishes was sponsored by Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents. The tournament raised over $30,000. Golfers enjoyed a beautiful round of golf at Canton Country Club supporting wish kids in Mississippi. Thank you Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents and all of the Tee It Up For Wishes sponsors for a great event!
CRUISIN’ THE COAST Cruisin’ the Coast is America’s Largest Block party. This year, 7,293 cruisers registered for the event. A 1932 Ford High Boy was raffled off, raising $25,000 for Make-A-Wish Mississippi. A family from Texas stopped by the event on their way to their wish trip to Disney World.
MARTINI SHAKEDOWN 2014 held the 10th Annual Martini Shakedown at Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi. It was an event to remember including delicious martinis, fantastic food, and entertainment by Bag of Donuts. Guests bid on exciting silent auction items including art by Mississippi’s very own wish kids. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Beau Rivage Casino, and all of the night’s sponsors for making this event so successful. (photo credits James Edward Bates)
UNITED STATES MARINE, INC. Thank you to the employees at United States Marine, Inc. for coming together with open hearts to make sure that Jaxon’s wish for sports memorabilia came true. USMI’s values are Family, Integrity and Quality. Family includes personnel, their families, customers, vendors and community. Together they ensured that Jaxon, a member of their community, would see his wish come true!
MISSISSIPPI CORVETTE CLASSIC The 2014 Mississippi Corvette Classic benefitting Make-A-Wish Mississippi was held July 12th at the Jackson Convention Complex. On display were over 100 beautiful Corvettes dating from 1953 to present. Thank you to Mississippi Corvette Club for donating $13,000 and continuing to make wishes come true! Also thank you to the 501st Legion Rancor Raiders for providing additional excitement for our wish kids at the Corvette Classic!
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576 Highland Colony Parkway Suite 120 Ridgeland, MS 39157
OUR VISION
IS TO GRANT THE WISH OF EVERY ELIGIBLE CHILD IN MISSISSIPPI.
YOU
ARE INVITED TO BE A PART OF MAKING OUR WISH COME TRUE. MS.WISH.ORG 26