I love the song “A Dream is a Wish Your
Heart Makes.” Well my little princess,
Eleana, loved One Direction. Perhaps
loved is not a strong enough word; adored,
worshiped, obsessed over, was consumed
by. I think you get my point. And because
Eleana’s heart defects cause her to have
a shortened life span, she qualified for a
wish to be granted by New Hope for Kids
Wishes for Kids program.
When the Today Show was filming at
Universal Studios in Orlando and One Direction
was to be their guest, New Hope for
Kids sent a limousine to our home to pickup
Eleana and her sister, Isabel. The Wishes
for Kids staff person was with us every step
of the way. We were escorted to front row
seats for the live taping of the Today Show.
One Direction was so close you could smell
their cologne. The smile on Eleana’s face
was ear to ear.
As parents of children with disabilities,
we all have different dreams and goals for
our children. My only one for Eleana has
always been for her to be happy. Every day
with her is a gift so I want her to enjoy it
to the fullest. Wishes for Kids is just one
of the fabulous services that New Hope for
Kids provides.
Since 1996, New Hope for Kids has been
helping Central Florida children in need.
Their purpose is to bring hope, healing, and
happiness to children and families suffering
from grief, loss, or life-threatening illnesses.
New Hope for Kids achieves this through
two programs:
The Center for Grieving Children helps
children and families cope with the feelings
of grief and loss after the death of a loved
one.
Wishes for Kids grants wishes to children
up to the age 19, diagnosed with a
life-threatening illness.
Although the Wishes for Kids Program is
not able to cure the life-threatening illnesses
of their wish children, it is proud to grant
wishes and go beyond the wish – offering
support, family events, camps, and community
for these special families. Wishes for
Kids follows guidelines, but considers each
wish on a case-by-case basis to ensure that
the child’s best interests are being met.
If you think your child may qualify to be
granted a wish, don’t hesitate, apply today.
Both Eleana and I highly recommend it!
www.newhopeforkids.org/wishes-kids
Orlando Edition — Volume XII, Issue III 5
by Sarah Sequenzia, OCPS District Parent Liaison
/wishes-kids