Hi, it's Sheila
I had the pleasure and honor of emceeing the Make A Wish Foundation's annual Wish Ball this weekend. I am on the Board of Directors for our Make A Wish chapter, and in the photo here you can see the great friends who joined me and my hisband Ric in support of granting wishes to children with life threatening illnesses, Susan and Larry Anthony, Detlef and Karen Koeppe, Sharon and Carlo Wessels, and Kathy and Steve Jarvis.
Hannah, the beautiful four-year-old girl pictured here, was our honorary wish child. Hannah and her family have been battling Leukemia, and next month her wish to go to Disney World and meet Princess Aurora of Sleeping Beauty will be granted. Hannah's mom and dad were the keynote speakers at the Wish Ball, and the tears flowed as they told their story of Hannah's battle. Hannah has three siblings, and I was so moved when her mom and dad talked about the challenges of fighting Hannah's illness while trying not to lose focus on their other children. Her dad, Tom says their other children are true life troupers, heroes in their family's fight. They are grateful for the chance to take a family vacation next month. It's a vacation their family would not be able to afford without Make A Wish, but so needed because it's a chance for them to put aside the doctors and hospital and stress of facing an illness, and focus on moments of family fun and togetherness.
Some 300 people were guests at the Wish Ball, and Chairperson Shari Preston and her committee put together an incredible event. We who work with Make A Wish are so thankful for the support of so many who are giving our Wish Kids hope, strength, and joy with their kindness and generosity. All of the money raised at the Wish Ball will grant wishes for children in our community, right here in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.
It's never to late to grant wishes for local children by supporting Make A Wish. The Walk for Wishes in downtown Cincinnati is planned for May 15, and donations are always welcome. You can find out more by visiting the Make A Wish website at www.makeawishohio.org
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