Wish Blog

On My Mind…

blog_on my mindI watch the news every day and see horrendous stories about children who are neglected, abused and left to grow up without care. It breaks my heart to imagine a life like that. Families that I meet have more than the average challenges when raising their children. These kids are in a fight for their lives, and their parents are providing the life boat. They feed, bathe, entertain, perform healthcare such as aspirating, feeding tubes, administering medicine, adjusting braces, pushing wheelchairs, and sitting up all night when their child cannot rest because of seizures, severe asthma attacks or gastro interruptions. Their job is seven days a week and requires shifts between parents 24 hours a day. When I ask, “How do you do it?” Their answer is, “We do what we need to do. It becomes a way of life.” They’ve stopped asking “Why me?” and instead inquire, “What can we do now to make life better for our child?” It’s not easy; I see that. It is sometimes grueling, yet the love these parents show for their children is life-altering and more real than any I’ve ever witnessed. They didn’t choose; they were chosen.

Following Up

blog_following upParents and children are encouraged to email pictures, wish stories and thoughts to New Hope for Kids. They are displayed in the Wish office and shared on our website. We hope that each new family will attend at least one family event to meet other families and that they will want to share their story with others and encourage friends to request their own wish.

WISHES RESULT IN:

  • Respite from the stress of treatments, hospitalizations and tests.
  • A reason to continue and to look forward to the future.
  • Improved well-being and quality of life for the wish child and his/her family.
  • Hope and strength to fight life-threatening illnesses.
  • A new “community” of friends through the New Hope for Kids Family.

Next Step…

next step picOnce the wish has been confirmed, it’s New Hope’s turn to make it happen. This may require many hours of research, waiting for responses from celebrities, or raising the funds necessary to meet the request. While waiting, families are welcomed into the NEW HOPE FOR KIDS FAMILY. We want to do more than grant the wish; we want to provide ongoing care and fun opportunities for these children and their siblings. A wish may generate the first sign of hope and belonging in a long time. It’s important that our families become friends with one another and break the customary pattern of isolation that often accompanies serious illness and loss. There are awesome events each year: summer day camp, Mascot Games and Meet & Greet (pictured), Fun Fall Festival, October Bowl-a-thon, Winter Holiday party and other free ticket opportunities. There are also resources available through the Wish Director. Many families ask if there is any way they can give back, and we provide ample volunteer opportunities throughout the year, but the best way is to share their story with others.

The wish is absolutely free and meant to cover all the costs. We do have a budget to consider, but make every effort to be as generous as possible. It is designed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wishes are as variable as their child is. No two are alike. Sam can wish to go to a horseback riding camp, a trip to the Florida Everglades, or receive a drum set and lessons. It’s up to her own imagination!

Wishes 101

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New Hope for Kids makes every effort to be user-friendly. The Wish Application process is straightforward and simple. Once it has been completed, a visit is scheduled with the Wishes for Kids Director to discuss and make plans to grant the wish. Sam is not yet 19, lives in Central Florida, has never had a wish before and most important, her doctor has verified that she has a life-threatening illness. As long as Sam’s wish is within NHFK Wish Guidelines and financial capabilities, it will be granted. (In the picture, Kayln counts the links in her paper chain that show her how many days she must wait for her Disney cruise.)

The Wish Director is most concerned about hearing Sam’s wish—a place to visit, a person to meet, an experience or a special gift—it’s up to her. Once the wish has been confirmed, it’s time to discuss the best way to make it happen. Timing is wish-driven. For example: Will the wish be a trip to see snow next winter or a beach vacation this summer? A computer system to begin the new school year or a prom dress and graduation accouterments?

Sam’s immediate family is part of her wish; they receive encouragement, too. Siblings are always included in the Wish Celebration and receive a gift basket of their own.

Follow the Road to Wishes

follow the road to wishes pic

I’ve tried to write a blog before, and failed to continue on a regular basis. Times have changed, and I have more opportunity to remain a faithful “blographer.”

The WISH is first on my list. What is it? Who may receive a wish? What is involved in the process of wish-granting? Let’s take a walk through the steps to a New Hope for Kids Wish. Pack your bag with curiosity and imagination. Let’s get going!

What My Mom Taught Me

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I am among the blessed; I had the best Mom in the world. That’s the way I’ve always seen her. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like Martha Marie; and as an adult, I realize how truly amazing she really was. When she died in 1988, I thought, “Mom, you weren’t here long enough. Your life was too short.” She was only 68. As I near that age, I know that was right on the spot! It takes a lifetime to learn to live well and another needed to live it. (Maybe that’s what Heaven is for.) I’m so thankful for the lessons I learned early in my life because of my Mom and Dad. These are the ones I value most:

The Story of Genesis and Hope by Pam Ruben

As the mom of a “wish kid,” I know that a wish is much more than a magical moment, or a special family vacation for a child who is sick. When my daughter’s wish was granted, we were filled with an indescribable feeling of hope, just like Genesis’ family.  A wish means that something has gone right in the world where much has gone wrong. A wish is a once in a lifetime experience to look forward to, and then to treasure afterwards. A wish (from New Hope’s Wishes for Kids program) brings a team of caring people into your life whose sole purpose is to bring happiness to your child.  I wish Genesis and the Lopez family joy and happiness on their Disney Cruise, a family vacation that will last a lifetime. –Pam

Letters from the Heart of a Hopeful Mom

162.JPGI was honored when New Hope Wish Director, Rosie Wilder invited me to Guest Blog for their “Wishes for Kids” program.  As a writer, and (more importantly) a “Wish Mom”, I cherish every opportunity to spread the word about New Hope’s Wishes for Kids, and how a once in a lifetime wish can bring “New Hope” into the life of a sick child for years to come. This blog is made up of letters from the heart of a hopeful mom. –Pam Ruben