Make-A-Wish Radio-Thon
A wish… a wish is so much more than a wish. Being able to receive the granting of a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation was the start of something where words do not suffice. I, like countless others, knew of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and was humbled by the joy they give to children and their families. However, I did not realize that thought alone was just the first page of a decadent story. The impact of my wish was profound. It was profound not only for myself, but for my entire family. We had spent years battling for my health at the time my wish was granted. This meant years of countless tears, procedures, pokes, appointments, surgeries, battles that marked us forever. My wish to see the mountains changed everything for us. When we were flown to the Beaver Creek Resort, nestled in the mountains of Colorado, all of the angst and pain we had experienced literally melted away. For a week we were soaking in pure bliss. My family and I were able to simply enjoy living: not being impeded or held back by the reality of being medically complex. I was able to see my parents truly breathe for the first time in months. I was able to see my two younger sisters be just that: two younger sisters. They did not have to worry about when we would be separated for a hospital stay or clinic appointment. We were a family of five that was able to spend the dreamiest week in the mountains loving each other and life. That was the greatest blessing of the trip, was those memories of joy with my loved ones.
There was something so majestic about the mountains in Colorado. They had an element of peace and healing unlike anything medicine or science could provide. My Make-A-Wish trip gave my family and I a plethora of memories and moments that fuel us each and every day. Whenever I am lying on a cold exam table or battling a whirlwind of symptoms, I transport myself to Colorado. I cozy and embed myself in the memories I got to create. My Make-A-Wish trip was not a trip, it was an experience. It became a magical capsule of time that helps my entire family and I cope every day. It came at the time when we needed it most. Due to the severity of my respiratory failure at the time, we were literally taking it day by day. That trip marked the time period before I fought fiercely to regain back some of my health and functions. It rejuvenated our souls and helped heal the everlasting trauma from all that we had endured. Even though now we are now dealing with the same situation with my intestines, and trying to ensure my ability to continue living, I use the trip and its memories to fuel me.
For a week I was not a patient with a neurological disease, genetic anomalies, intestinal failure, Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction, and other diagnosis. I was not the girl who would have to drain her stomach contents all the time. For a week I was the happiest girl on the earth surrounded by my equally joyous family, and we were in the mountains. Make-A-Wish helped keep the fire inside of me ignited to fight for better days as they gifted me with the true meaning of life: to feel alive and loved and joyful. Make-A-Wish is so much more than a wish… Make-A-Wish is the gift of peace amidst a fight. And sometimes all you need to keep going is peace.
As the time of giving and the holiday season is coming around, you have the chance to give this gift to a child and their family. This is the time of the Make-A-Wish Radio-Thon with the vibrant radio station Z104 and the gracious gifts from Richard Kessler and his beautiful diamond company. It is a group of incredible and giving people that are working incredibly hard to create this raising of funds to continue to grant wishes. I humbly ask that you contribute to change someone’s life. Please pick up the phone and call 855-231-WISH.
Thank you from a Wish-Kid,
Isabelle
To hear more interviews go to z104fm.com/makeawish
I also extend my gratitude to everyone involved with my wish… New New, Lexi, Demetra, and more of the Ritz-Carlton in Beaver Creek. The entire staff at the hotel… the volunteers who helped us out. My two compassionate wish granters and the incredible gentleman who helped us at the airport in Colorado. Words don’t suffice and there is not enough room to list everyone… Thank you.