Thailand’s genie hopes to turn hundreds of wishes into reality for Thai children living with life-threatening illnesses
Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand announced its “Happy Wishes” fundraising campaign for 2015, with an aim to turn the hopes and wishes of many children facing life-threatening medical conditions into a reality.
Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish® International, a global charitable organization which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the world’s largest wish-granting organization, serving children in nearly 50 countries on five continents.
In Thailand, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was established in 2011 and has so far granted 25 wishes.
“Turning a child’s dream turn into reality is one of the most rewarding experiences,” said Mikki Meksawan, managing director of Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand.
“Turning a child’s dream turn into reality is one of the most rewarding experiences,” said Mikki Meksawan, managing director of Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand.
“A wish that comes true helps these special children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing and able to battle their life-threatening medical conditions. It provides them and their families with hope and strength at a time of uncertainty and for many, the wish marks a turning point in the fight against their illnesses. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals say that the wish experience works in concert with medicine to make these young patients feel better emotionally and even physically. That is why wishes matter. That is why we grant wishes.”
Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand works closely with doctors at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health at Rajvithi Hospital, and other hospitals nationwide, such as Samut Prakarn Hospital and Chumphon Hospital, to grant wishes to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
Whether the wish is to meet someone famous, own something, visit somewhere or do something special, its coming true can bring a little sunshine into their lives replacing pain and trauma caused by the illness, with laughter and joy.
Last year, among some of the wishes granted to these special children by Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand included a trip to Disneyland Hong Kong; a meet and greet session with celebrities including James Jirayu, Yaya Urassaya, Bie the star (Sukrit Wisetkaew) and Peech Pachara Jirathiwat; an iPad party at the popular TV show Ching Roi Ching Larn; and an elephant ride party at Suan Sampran. The foundation also organized the annual Happy Wishes Festival at Benjasiri Park with more than 300 children in attendance, and other fundraising activities.
“Our aim is to ensure that every child facing life-threatening medical conditions experiences the joy and magic of a Make-A-Wish wish. The more funds we raise, the more opportunity we have to turn a child’s wish to reality. This year, we expect that around 24 children will turn to us to have their special wish granted. We also hope to grow the number of volunteers and supporters in the years to come so we can organize various activities and fulfill the children’s wishes,” added Mikki.
“We are thankful to our supporters who continue to help made many wishes come true, and these include B.Grimm Group, Disney Asia, Thai Polo and Equestrian Club, Lactasoy, Bangkok Airways, Minor Group, CP group, Unilever, The Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay, and Grand Hyatt Erawan.
For more information on Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand, please visit www.makeawish.or.th or https://www.facebook.com/thailandmakeawish
