Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Humbling Day!

Today, I am not going to work! YAY! :)

Ok, that's not what's humbling.

About 5 years or so ago, after hearing the Make A Wish Request a thon on a local radio station, I decided that I really wanted to get involved with the Make a Wish Foundation, a foundation that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. Something about the tears and the joy in the voices of the parents and the kids who had their wishes granted struck me. I felt compelled to help with not only donations, but my time.

That is when I became a Wish Granter volunteer with the MAW foundation. I've been fortunate enough to help over 8 children with their wishes over the past few years. It is truly one of the most rewarding experiences that I've ever been a part of. I get to meet the families and find out their wishes, and the joy and excitement and awe that these families have knowing that we take the time and the organization funds this family trip make it all worthwhile.

I will say that when I first started, I was not a parent, and now that I am a parent, I feel even more compelled to help because I am SOOOOO fortunate that both of my children are healthy. The strength that I see from the children I have met is amazing. AMAZING!

So, this afternoon, I'm heading to the WZPL studios to answer phones for a few hours for the Request a Thon. I've done it every year since I started volunteering and I love it! The goal is to raise $199,000 dollars in the 36 hours! They've exceeded their goals every year. :)

So, if you're in the Indy area...call 317-239-1099 to donate and you get to request ANY song too! Who knows, maybe I'll be the one to pick up the phone! :)

4 comments:

Imcombobulated said...

Jenni, you are SUCH a good person! What a wonderful thing to do.

I have a friend in Toronto whose child got to Make A Wish. They had a family trip to DisneyWorld and it meant EVERYTHING to them. So, although I am lucky enough to have two healthy kids, I've also had the chance to see what wonderful results the wishes have.

Hats off to you! And best of luck with the fundraising!

Jessica Ryan said...

What a great day! What a great organization! What a great deed... sorta what Thanksgiving is all about, kwim?!

Margaret said...

That is awesome, Jenni!!! What a rewarding and humbling way to help others!

On a side note, when I read that you were going to WZPL, I totally had a flashback to high school--99.5, right? How weird is it that I remember a radio station I haven't listened to in over 11 years??? :)

girlsmom said...

Jenni, I did not know this about you. Congrats, you are a wonderful person, and I am proud to be your friend.