William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-01-01 / 1. szám
Charitable Ideas Fairygodmother Foundation Where happy endings begin Charitable organization grants wishes to loved ones facing terminal illness THIS MONTH'S Charitable Idea was brought to our attention by our fellow fraternalists at the headquarters of the National Fraternal Congress of America. Instead of sending Christmas cards this year, the NFC A directed the money normally spent on cards and postage towards a holiday donation in the name of America's Fraternal Benefit Societies to the Fairgy godmother Foundation. The Fairygodmother Foundation is a volunteer-driven, grassroots 501(c)(3) charity granting wishes nationally to loved ones facing terminal illness (having a year or less to live). This wish granting program brings joy to the lives of adults (age 18 and older) and their families in their time of greatest need by turning dreams into reality. In the process of fulfilling wishes, Fairygodmother Foundation creates an opportunity for peace, closure, a sense of belonging and cherished memories for everyone involved. Simple wishes Fairygodmother Foundation's average wish recipient is a 40-yearold mother of two battling breast cancer, bankrupted by her medical illness, wanting to take her young children to experience the magic of Disney World before she dies. Eighty percent of its wishes involve children about to lose a parent. The wishes range from family trips and family reunions to purchasing headstones for loved ones graves. The Foundation transports patients home to die in the arms of family. It also provides laptops so families can stay in touch. These are simple wishes. They bring closure and quality to the end of life, helping families celebrate precious moments together while they still have time. Fairygodmother Foundation's wish granting program gives families in crisis a crucial respite from their illness and important memories to help ease the pain of their loss. During its five years of existence, the Foundation has granted more than 350 wishes in 43 states. It has never turned away an eligible wish recipient. Recent wishes fulfilled by the Foundation include: • Kristy O., 39, traveled to Key West with her husband and two children. They celebrated her son's 13 th birthday with a fishing trip. • JoncieD., 90, traveled to visit her son in prison, whom she has not seen in several years. This was the first time she ever stayed in a hotel or flew on an airplane. • Chuck E., 43, went on a twoweek road trip with his wife and two children to visit his home town in Southern California. On the way there, they stopped in Las Vegas for a show and stayed in a hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Other than Chuck, no one in the family had ever been outside the state of Illinois. • Calvin B., 76, a decorated World War II veteran, traveled with his wife to Hawaii. They visited the Pearl Harbor Memorial and participated in their first luau. The greatest need Fairygodmother Foundation's average out-ofpocket cost of fulfilling a travel wish is $4,000. This figure includes airfare (which it does not get discounted), medical accommodations, per diem expenses (when available), and souvenirs. It does not include the cost of hotel rooms, rental cars, meals, entertainment, gift baskets, and toys, which the Foundation can usually get donated or significantly discounted. Its greatest need is for airline tickets or airline miles amounting to full tickets.This need is constant, and the Foundation works companies, churches and community groups willing to host an airline mile drive. The Foundation is also seeking those who have any contacts with travel agencies, rental car agencies, airlines, hotel chains and other similar companies that might want to partner with Fairygodmother Foundation. Volunteer opportunities There are many ways you and your fellow branch members can help the Foundation grant wishes that don't involve a donation. Many volunteer opportunities are available, which the Foundation breaks down into five general categories. I. Programs and Services: Activities centered on the Foundation's Mission-to make wishes come true for 6 Willi« P«y Life, January 2004
