Make a Wish Foundation

Dreams come true for ill kids

By Leah Etling on Apr 27, 2012 in Giving, People | 1 Comment

The wishes range from the simple – “I wish to have a PlayStation 2,” one little boy requested – to the unusual – “I wish to receive a blessing from the Pope,” asked another.  But both were granted, thanks to the efforts of the Make a Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama.

Make a Wish, a national organization with chapters around the country, is supported by Yardi Systems as part of our corporate philanthropy program.  Helping sick kids realize some of their wildest dreams is the organization’s mission.

“There are parents who tell us they hadn’t seen their child smile until they got their wish,” said Jill Thornton, Director of Development for Individual Giving.  “We have children who wouldn’t eat, and after they got their wish they were able to start eating again.”

The wish recipients are usually struggling with chronic, sometimes terminal illnesses.

“When these children are granted a wish, they get more than just a great experience for a day, two days or a week.  That special wish improves the quality of life for them and their families.  It gives them hope, strength and joy during a very difficult and challenging time,” explained John J. Brennan,  CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama.

Yardi has donated over $35,000 to the organization over the last three years.

“On behalf of all our “Wish” children and their families, as well as our volunteers and staff, I thank and applaud Yardi for making such a vital and far-reaching difference in the lives of our Make-A-Wish children, year after year!”  Brennan said.

See some of the touching stories of the wishes granted by the organization recently on their website. Below, read about a wish that was granted for a 10-year-old girl named Jessa. Yardi Systems encourages you to make a donation to a non-profit of any kind that you believe in this year.

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Jessa’s story

Ten-year-old Jessa loves the Little Red Riding Hood storybook and Nickelodeon’s iCarly television show.  Unfortunately, Jessa was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a genetic disorder that affects her nerves, muscles, and various other organs, as well as behavior.  Although it causes her pain, Jessa’s bright spirit remains.  When Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Georgia and Alabama offered to grant her a wish, Jessa chose a room makeover with an iCarly theme.  Following months of preparation, Jessa returned home to her very own re-decorated room.  Struck by the bright purple walls, Jessa investigated the changes.  She found a chandelier of rainbow gummy-bears, an ice cream sandwich bench, new bedding, and a flat screen television.  Above her bed was a wall decal that said iJessa, just like those seen on iCarly.  A lasting memory of the magic of Make-A-Wish Foundation^®, Jessa’s wish brought joy, not only to her, but also her whole family.