Walking the Wall

I cannot say enough about the Make-A-Wish organization and the joy and experience that they gave my son–he still talks about it today. The whole process began with two people from the organization coming over with gifts for both of my children and sitting down with my son and asking: “If you could do anything or go anywhere you wanted–what would you do?”

This was in 2001, I believe (I’m bad with dates) and my son was a complete Pokemon addict. He wrestled with going to see Jeff Corwin on set, something about Harry Potter, or going out to a dinosaur paleontology dig site. New York City, however, with it’s ability to boast of having the only Pokemon Center outside of Japan (at the time), won out. In short order, my son, daughter, husband, mother, and I were being picked up by a limo and sent off to New York in style. The organization went the whole way, gorgeous hotel right in Time’s Square, up the Empire State Building with no lines, trip to the Natural Museum of History to see dinosaur bones, and etc.–but what my son remembers most is the Pokemon Center. They treated him like a king–the manager there gave him his undivided attention for a few hours–special Pokemon for his game system and a shopping spree that was a riot to watch. The whole trip was an experience that my son will never forget and something he deserved 100%. Obviously it couldn’t erase the pain and sickness and fear he had to deal with his whole life to that point, it couldn’t stop the shots every other day, it couldn’t wish away his illness–if wishes could do that he would be 100% healthy for all the wishes on stars I have made. But it was a bright spot of joy that came when he was most discouraged about being different, when he was beginning to really understand that his disease was never going away, when an incredible doctor understood that he needed something good from it all and he needed it right then.

Tonight a local organization is having a Disco Party Under the Stars to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and myself and 7 other lady friends are off to dance the night away for a great cause. I’ve got a cute new halter top, dancing shoes, and ticket in hand–I am ready to disco!

There is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality.
~Jonas Salk