Make-A-Wish of Western New York has granted wishes to children with life-threatening diseases since 1992. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown commemorated the organization Tuesday by proclaiming September 15-21 “Make-A-Wish of Western New York Week.” “What Make-A-Wish does is, while we are waiting for those cures to be discovered, we can grant a child's wish right now. Its not just the typical trip to Disney, sometimes it has positive health effects,” said Brown.
One-hundred-fifty Tulips were planted in Niagara Square Tuesday to represent the 150 wishes granted so far this year by the local foundation. Larry Norton, morning radio host and founder of the Make-A-Wish Radio-Thon, has helped raise $2.8 million to date for sick children.
“Children actually get better. Knowing that they get to swim with dolphins or go on a trip. One little girl wanted a sewing machine so she could make blankets for other kids at the hospital. I’m telling you, it’s amazing,” said Norton.
"Wish mom” Nicole says her three-year-old daughter Ella’s wish was to dance with Mickey Mouse in his magic castle.
“It was much more than a trip. It ended up being an incredible journey that helped our family heal and laugh,” said Nicole.
"“We just loved being together all the time. Most importantly, Ella got to forget about how brave she must always be, how she needs to keep fighting and she's just got be a three-year-old, eating ice cream and dancing and just being her silly, sun-shining self.”
The Radio-Thon will be held Friday and Saturday. Paul McCartney and Sabres tickets will be among the prizes being auctioned off. Donations to Make-A-Wish can be made by calling (71) 810-WISH.