 Summertime is the busiest season of wish-granting at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Right now, over 100 children with life-threatening medical conditions are waiting to have wishes fulfilled. Your gift will help us to create a "Summer of 100 Wishes" before our fiscal year concludes on August 31st.
By making a gift to our summer fund, you will not simply transform a child's summer - you will change that child's life forever. The Foundation honors your generosity by directing over 80 percent of every dollar donated directly to our children's wishes. Click here to make a donation to our Summer of 100 Wishes. William's Story With the Green Monster rising behind him, 12-year-old William steps onto the mound at Fenway Park. He carries a baseball in his hand and hope in his heart. Months ago, when the doctors at Children's Hospital found a tumor growing around his heart, this moment seemed out of reach. Last October, William was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma. He began weekly chemotherapy treatments and underwent surgery to remove his spleen. William's team of doctors did not simply treat him physically, however. They also treated William's emotional well-being, by referring him to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. After months of worrying about his treatments, William's mind turned to a hopeful new topic: what would his fondest wish be? William, his twin sister, and his older brother spent days imagining options for his wish. Finally, the sports-loving boy declared his choice: he wished to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park! On the day of his wish, William arrived at the park wearing his beloved Sox cap and a crisp new jersey. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Red Sox partnered to create a full day of magic. William toured the park and met Terry Francona and Dice-K! When William stepped onto the mound, he was greeted by a familiar face who would serve as his catcher: famed Sox slugger David Ortiz. With 30,000 fans cheering him on, William threw a strike to Ortiz and raised his arms in victory. After a year of battling cancer, he stood as tall as a Red Sox legend.
Photo: David Ortiz congratulates the wish child after a successful pitch. Photos by Elaine Donahue.
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