Look At What You Did
This is what it is all about...all of you who supported our first annual Kyla McCullough Gift Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction last June...this is what it was all about. Coming out of that successful evening, Kyla's gift fund was able to sponsor two wishes at The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon. We just recently received short stories and photographs about each of the two wishes and we wanted to be sure to pass them on to each of you...look at what you did.
Emily, age 11, from McMinnville. I wish to go...to Disneyland© Resort
"Emily qualifies for a wish because she suffers from Rett Syndrome, a debilitating neurological disorder. Her illness confines her to a wheel chair which makes it difficult for her family to travel. Emily cannot speak as well as other children, but she communicates well; her smile said it all when she was at 'the happiest place on earth'. 'Toy Story' is her absolute favorite movie. She watches it over and over, and her excitement was palpable when she found out she could meet the characters for her wish. Her favorite part of the wish, by far, was meeting Woody from 'Toy Story'. She did not only get to meet him, but sat in the front row for a show including Woody, Jesse and Bullseye. Emily’s mom wrote a touching note to the Foundation saying that the pampering they received on their wish trip cannot be repeated ever."
There are so many mixed emotions for me when I look at these photos of Emily and read her story. I can relate the most with the 2nd photo of Emily, where she is on a ride with her parents on each side of her. It is so incredibly difficult to watch your child battle with physical issues that are beyond everyone's control...it can consume your every moment and thought, many times being too much to bear. And then during the most difficult of times, an organization like Make-A-Wish steps in and grants your child's wish, no questions asked. That uplifting action at that worst of times is one of the greatest gifts that a family in that situation could ever receive. I look at that photo and I see a family that despite the challenges they face, are overjoyed to be experiencing that moment together. I am sure it is a moment they will never forget. Thank you Make-A-Wish.
Mitchell, age 17, from Forest Grove. I wish to have...a two-post truck lift
"Mitchell is like a typical teenage boy because he loves trucks. He owns a 1992 Toyota Pickup and a 1992 Ford Ranger. He is unlike a typical teenager because he suffers from Burkitt’s Lymphoma and spends a lot of time in the hospital. He likes to work on his trucks in the family garage, which was recently built for that purpose. When his volunteer wish granters asked Mitchell what he would wish for, it was definitely something for the trucks, but it took a while to come up with the perfect thing. He decided on a two-post truck lift so he could walk under the vehicles and work from a standing position. Working on trucks is simply what makes him happy. In addition to the truck lift, Mitchell wanted some tools, and received gift cards from the Foundation towards his new set. More than 40 friends and family members came to celebrate the new garage and Mitchell’s wish-come-true."
When I look at the photos of Mitchell, I see a 17 year old teenage boy. I think that is what strikes me the most about his photos...Mitchell is fighting for his life and you would never know it just looking at him. Kids that are diagnosed with cancer are just regular kids that for some reason have been given the incredible challenge of battling cancer.
From Mitchell's story, I am also reminded to do things that make you happy...as simple as it sounds, life is too short to spend your time on things that you do not enjoy.
Through my own experiences as Kyla's father, I think one of the most important lessons that I have learned is to make every day count. I have learned that life goes by fast and there are no promises for tomorrow. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of every day...but take the time for your loved ones, do things you have been wanting to do...take that family vacation. You will be so glad you did...and nobody can take that away from you.
Thank you to everyone that supported last year's benefit dinner and auction...regardless of how big or small your contribution was, I hope that you take a sense of pride in what you helped accomplish. You deserve it!
Emily, age 11, from McMinnville. I wish to go...to Disneyland© Resort
"Emily qualifies for a wish because she suffers from Rett Syndrome, a debilitating neurological disorder. Her illness confines her to a wheel chair which makes it difficult for her family to travel. Emily cannot speak as well as other children, but she communicates well; her smile said it all when she was at 'the happiest place on earth'. 'Toy Story' is her absolute favorite movie. She watches it over and over, and her excitement was palpable when she found out she could meet the characters for her wish. Her favorite part of the wish, by far, was meeting Woody from 'Toy Story'. She did not only get to meet him, but sat in the front row for a show including Woody, Jesse and Bullseye. Emily’s mom wrote a touching note to the Foundation saying that the pampering they received on their wish trip cannot be repeated ever."
There are so many mixed emotions for me when I look at these photos of Emily and read her story. I can relate the most with the 2nd photo of Emily, where she is on a ride with her parents on each side of her. It is so incredibly difficult to watch your child battle with physical issues that are beyond everyone's control...it can consume your every moment and thought, many times being too much to bear. And then during the most difficult of times, an organization like Make-A-Wish steps in and grants your child's wish, no questions asked. That uplifting action at that worst of times is one of the greatest gifts that a family in that situation could ever receive. I look at that photo and I see a family that despite the challenges they face, are overjoyed to be experiencing that moment together. I am sure it is a moment they will never forget. Thank you Make-A-Wish.
Mitchell, age 17, from Forest Grove. I wish to have...a two-post truck lift
"Mitchell is like a typical teenage boy because he loves trucks. He owns a 1992 Toyota Pickup and a 1992 Ford Ranger. He is unlike a typical teenager because he suffers from Burkitt’s Lymphoma and spends a lot of time in the hospital. He likes to work on his trucks in the family garage, which was recently built for that purpose. When his volunteer wish granters asked Mitchell what he would wish for, it was definitely something for the trucks, but it took a while to come up with the perfect thing. He decided on a two-post truck lift so he could walk under the vehicles and work from a standing position. Working on trucks is simply what makes him happy. In addition to the truck lift, Mitchell wanted some tools, and received gift cards from the Foundation towards his new set. More than 40 friends and family members came to celebrate the new garage and Mitchell’s wish-come-true."
When I look at the photos of Mitchell, I see a 17 year old teenage boy. I think that is what strikes me the most about his photos...Mitchell is fighting for his life and you would never know it just looking at him. Kids that are diagnosed with cancer are just regular kids that for some reason have been given the incredible challenge of battling cancer.
From Mitchell's story, I am also reminded to do things that make you happy...as simple as it sounds, life is too short to spend your time on things that you do not enjoy.
Through my own experiences as Kyla's father, I think one of the most important lessons that I have learned is to make every day count. I have learned that life goes by fast and there are no promises for tomorrow. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of every day...but take the time for your loved ones, do things you have been wanting to do...take that family vacation. You will be so glad you did...and nobody can take that away from you.
Thank you to everyone that supported last year's benefit dinner and auction...regardless of how big or small your contribution was, I hope that you take a sense of pride in what you helped accomplish. You deserve it!
posted by Bret McCullough @ 9:57 PM
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