My name is Gretta Nolan, I am the President and Panhellenic Delegate of the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Chi Omega. Chi Omega and The Make-A-Wish Foundation have been partners since 2002. Their partnership was one of the many reasons I decided to join Chi Omega. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is very near and dear to my heart. As a child with chronic illnesses, I spent a lot of time in doctor's offices and in and around hospitals, which is where I learned about Make-A-Wish and all of the fantastic things they do for children with critical illnesses. I have childhood friends who have received wishes and I cannot even begin to describe the impact those wishes had on them and their families, but I will try.
One of my childhood friends who I met through Diabetes camp was granted a wish. Her wish was to get a service dog, a diabetic alert service dog. (among other service tasks) The summer after her service dog had been trained and placed with her she brought him to camp. That was the first year there were no seizures for the entire week. Her service dog worked tirelessly all week, which some may argue isn't fair to the dog. However, he loved camp, what better than a bunch of children who are willing to give you lots of snuggles and plenty of room to run around and even a lake to swim in? He had the best time. Before she had brought him to camp no one knew the impact that it would make, the impact her wish would make. Her wish not only made her life easier and provided peace of mind to her and her family but it also impacted every kid, their family, the healthcare workers, and camp staff that week. Over 300 kids, and not a single seizure. Her wish allowed everyone to sleep a little easier, kids to feel more confident, and staff to worry less, her wish impacted everyone. Her wish also provided education to families who didn't know that diabetic alert dogs existed and insight to healthcare professionals on just how much a dog could change a diabetic's life and how they could utilize this newfound tool in camp settings. In the next couple of years, more service dogs and service dogs in training were brought to camp. Her wish inspired innovation and hope.
A gift of a wish doesn't just change the child's life but everyone around them. Not every gift is as widespread as my friends, but every wish is just as important. To be able to give even the slightest bit of hope and happiness to a child going through the unimaginable is why I chose to support Make-A-Wish. Even the smallest amount helps, even just sharing the word. Will you help make wishes come true? I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!