I am excited to be participating in the 2024 Polar Bear Plunge committed to raising money for Make-A-Wish and help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. With your help, it’s possible. I am dedicating my plunge to Mary Helen Bean, an inspiration to all of us who knew her; my daughter, Katie; and Brandt Morgan. my former student.
You may know that my daughter Katie was the recipient of a Make-A-Wish vacation to Paris while fighting for years and ultimately surviving leukemia. She is now 28 and engaged to be married. More recently, a brave young high school student in my English class, Brandt Morgan, was struck with Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and underwent years of treatment, fought bravely, and survived to graduate high school and move on to college. He was granted a Make-A-Wish. Some children's outcomes are not so fortunate, though, but they also are given a Make-A-Wish.
While doctors, nurses, medical advances, family, and friends all play pivotal roles in helping those who are critically ill get through life threatening illnesses, it is younger people's dreams which serve as inspiration, as well. Make-A-Wish exists to help provide that inspiration.
Wish kids are some of the bravest and sweetest kids you'll ever know. Their innocence and unexpected wisdom stays with you.
Make-A-Wish grants thousands of unique wishes each year. A lot, yes. But that’s only 50% of eligible kids. I’m fundraising so more deserving kids and their families can know the happiness, relief and renewal a wish can bring.
Wishes are waiting. Please help me support this great cause by joining me or making a donation to my fundraising goal. Thank you for your support!