LAKE COUNTY –A simple process can change the life of a child. In just two years of volunteering with the national Make-A-Wish Foundation, Sherry Pattison of Lakeport has helped fulfill the wishes of six children in the area who are dealing with a life-threatening medical condition.
She has been preparing for a wish this month, but can”t reveal the name of the child because to retain the element of surprise. She talked about a past wish in Kelseyville she helped to fulfill.
“For one wish recently, in Kelseyville the child wanted to meet Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, so Make-A-Wish arranged for a trip to Disneyland. It”s up to the volunteers the extent they want to take it. So my husband and I dressed up as pirates, and pretended that Jack sent us with presents, it was wonderful. The family said it created the best memories for them during a difficult time,” Pattison said.
She said there are few volunteers in Lake County, but much need in the area, as well as neighboring counties. “Basically, when a wish gets approved, they email out asking ?who can take this wish?” And if you can, you write back. We”ve gone as far as the coast. The towns we”ve had wishes so far are Kelseyville, Lakeport, Ukiah, and Fort Bragg,” Pattison said.
Children between ages 2 ? and 18 are referred by their physician, and the foundation then works directly with the doctor to fulfill the child”s wish. The family of the child does not need a certain income to qualify, and the foundation pays for all aspects of the gift in order to create a “worry free” time, according to the Web site. The gifts are varied, with children commonly wishing to either travel, become someone else for the day?such as a firefighter or model, meet an idol, or wish to have something, such as a computer or shopping spree. As of 2005 the average gift was $6,200.
To volunteer, all it takes is one hour per wish, Pattison said. “If you”re busy or going away you don”t have to do enhancements. Make-A-Wish takes care of everything. The only commitment is to travel to the family”s home, do an hour interview to find out their wish then basically call the family when the wish has been approved?the donations I”m finding are enhancement to the wish for flowers, food, and a party. It can be as big as you want it to be depending on how much you put into it,” Pattison said.
She said while she and her husband volunteer for other organizations, Make-A-Wish has been the most fulfilling and fun for her. “It makes you so happy, and you can get out of your own life and problems. So many children can have a special time and day in their despair.”
Pattison added that the foundation looks for volunteers who can fundraise for the organization, which is non-profit and runs primarily on individual donations.
To become involved, contact Make-A-Wish Foundation of the greater Bay Area. (415) 982-9474 or visit their Web site: http://www.wish.org
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
