Make-a-Wish Foundation fulfil terminally ill kids' most cherished dreams

BANGALORE: They are not Aladdin's genies living in a magic lamp. Neither are they Santa Claus carrying a red bag of gifts over their shoulders. But they do pretty much the same thing -- grant people's wish. However, there is a slight difference in their case -- they visit only children who are terminally ill.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of India is an NGO that works to grant a wish of a child, aged between three and 18, who suffer from a life-threatening disease.They find satisfaction in fulfilling the child's long-cherished dream and make the remaining part of her life, however short it may be, joyful . "We have found that children live longer when their wish is fulfilled. The act gives them hope and strength. The spirit to strive on returns which is crucial for these patients," said Bhavana M S, a volunteer at the Bangalore centre.
The wishes are mainly of four kinds. While some wish for certain goods like toys, some others want to visit some places or see some celebrities. There are a few others who want to be someone. Make-a-wish's magic wand can make any of these wishes come true.
Fulfilling their dreams
Once when a child said she wanted to play with a baby elephant, they took her to the Mysore zoo, pleaded with the officials, and let her play with one. In another incident of a "rush-wish" case, where the doctors declared that the patient had only a few more days left, he was presented two golden fish, as per his wish. "There was a girl who said she wanted to become a teacher. We arranged for a real classroom for her, with students seated. She was dressed up like a teacher and allowed to take a class," Bhavana remembers.
The children range from all socio-economic backgrounds. Even children of rich parents are often helped by this NGO. "In their anxiety, parents forget these small wishes of their kid. They may only think about his treatment. That is where we come in," Bhavana said.
Uncovering deepest desires
But the volunteers make it a point to detach themselves once they give the children what their hearts' desire. "We cannot move on if we remain connected. We train ourselves to forget the child when the deed is done," said Vijay Ladha, director. The training is not limited to that aspect. The volunteers also practise finding out which dream the child cherishes the most. There is a difference between needs and wishes, they say. And, the task is not easy, especially with introverted children. A lot of talking -- on his interests, hobbies, friends -- and indirect questions are required to know the truth. Three wishes are finally drawn and the most intense one is chosen.
HOW MANY SO FAR: So far, 180 wishes have been fulfilled in Bangalore. The organization has tie ups with different hospitals and NGOs. Even paediatricians refer children to them. A volunteer approaches the child and gets to know his wish. The gift is then given as a surprise.
HISTORY OF GRANTING Wishes: The programme was started in India by a couple -- Geetha Joshi and Ujay Joshi -- whose son was suffering from leukemia. His wish to visit Disney Land was fulfilled by the Make-a-Wish team while he was undergoing treatment in the US. Touched by the concept, they started the programme in India 13 years ago. Bangalore is the newest branch, set up in 2008. The programme works according to international standards.
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"It is an extremely human experience. A volunteer needs to spend only two hours per week, and it is unforgettable. But, at the same time, it reminds us that we are not supreme. Things are not under our control," Vijay said. The organization can be contacted as www.makeawishindia.org
(Sruthy Susan Ullas)