Joseph's wish

Mid 2007 saw our first wish being granted to Joseph. Joseph suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II. He was nominated by a close family friend who described Joseph as a ‘bright, charming and enthusiastic eight year old who deserves a special wish’.

The wish was for a home spa, to be used daily, this would form part of his therapeutic routine and would have major benefits for him.

A ‘soft tub’ spa was researched and with the help of Swales of Laxey, the tub was brought from America to the Isle of Man. Swales continue to service and monitor the chemicals etc for the spa at no charge to the family of the charity.

Joseph has seen such benefits from this wish and continues to use it daily as part of his routine.

This wish was a very special one for the charity too, as this was the wish that launched the charity.

Jade's wish

Jade was nominated by her auntie for her wish. Suffering from a form of bone cancer Jade has endured much in her twelve years and has also had to deal with both chemo and surgery because of the condition.

Jade liked to look at brochures with bedrooms and to plan her dream bedroom. For this her favourite was Laura Ashley.

We set about changing Jade’s bedroom in secret, entirely. So the walls were decorated, new carpet (courtesy of Magic Carpets) and curtains (courtesy of Laura Ashley St John’s) were all sourced.

We then showed Jade her make-over which she was completely shocked about. Jade’s mum tells me she continues to keep her bedroom wonderful and tidy!

Charlotte's wish

Charlotte, a lovely, bright 5 year old was diagnosed with a rare PNET tumour behind her left lung, resulting in chemotherapy and surgery. The chemo took its toll on Charlotte’s kidneys and she was left for a while unable to walk, on top of all this she was then left with being growth hormone deficient.

Charlotte was considered by her mum to be a miracle!

She wanted just to play in the snow and build a snowman! Wish Upon A Dream gave this some thought and decided that she had been so brave, just to play in the snow did not seem enough. So in April she was given the surprise of going off to Lapland to play in the snow and have some quality time with her mum on a sleigh ride, visiting the new born husky puppies (Charlotte was even given one to name). On top of all this a private meeting was set up with Santa deep in the forest!

She was ecstatic when she returned and continues to do well with her health.

 

 

Caitlin's wish

Caitlin was born with a rare genetic condition which leaves her relying entirely on her parents for everything.

Life was particularly difficult as Caitlin’s bedroom was upstairs and the bathroom down stairs, this left a situation whereby the parents have to carry Caitlin up and down stairs.

The wish was for a shower area to be built to enable, not only safety, but dignity for Caitlin.

The wish was being dealt with when, due to the local press, people started to ring Lesley at Wish Upon A Dream, with offers of help, in the form of labour and equipment.

The project is now well under way and it is hoped that not too far into the new year will see the project completed. In addition to this Wish Upon A Dream are going to make over Caitlin’s bedroom.

Lesley of Wish Upon A Dream said, wherever possible we like to give a little something over and above the original wish and we are delighted, because of the offers of help, to be able to do this extra thing.

 

Reece Moffitt’s Wish

Reece’s wish was a very personal one. He is wheelchair bound and could only sit or lay on his bed because of mobility and lifting issues.

Ten year old Reece had wished that he would be able to sit on the sofa with his Nan or Mum and watch TV. Reece suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Wish Upon A Dream located a portable mobile hoist that was perfect for Reece, manufactured in Norway, it is considered one of the best on the market.

Within two weeks it was located and brought to the island and was perfect for Reece. Now at long last Reece can not only have his wish made real but can also go on holiday to the UK and stay at his uncle’s house.

His Grandma said that for years she has fought with the powers that be and now in weeks Wish Upon A Dream have made her a dream a reality for Reece.

We were delighted at the charity to put a smile of Reece’s face.

 

Grace's Wish

Grace is the most beautiful child. She has endured several open heart surgeries and due for another in 2009. She was nominated by a family friend and then another nomination was received by a member of Noble’s hospital staff.

Grace dresses in Disney Princess dresses every day she is up and about. So it seemed that the trip to Paris to visit Disneyland was the most apt with many treats included in the wish, one of which was lunch with the Disney Princesses.

Due to fly off the island on a Sunday, it was late on the Friday evening before that mum realised she had forgotten to collect the baby brothers passport. With Lesley Turnbull sitting there, the telephone calls began in earnest. Eventually the Police HQ were on the case and early Saturday morning people were being sourced to aid in getting the passport. This did all happen by early afternoon and the passport was delivered to the parents by the passport office staff.

Grace had been in hospital once again from September up to the time of going on her wish, which she was so excited about. Because of Grace’s condition a nurse travelled with them for the dream wish.

 

Dominic's Wish

Dominic, with his gorgeous big eyes, is six and was born with ‘cerebral palsy’, he has other associated problems and was more recently diagnosed with epilepsy.

It is a really difficult situation and knowing what was his best wish of several to choose proved a task for the family.

Eventually they came up with a family holiday where they could all spend time with Dominic.

Wish Upon A Dream came up with a private, beautiful villa in Portugal and added to this a trip for Dominic to spend time with the dolphins at Zoo Marina enjoying one to one time. He thoroughly enjoyed the contact with these wonderful creatures and Dominic, mum and dad and siblings came back refreshed and happy having been able to spend such intense quality time together.

Dominic was nominated by one of paediatric nurses, Sue, who said “Dom in a little ray of sunshine and always a joy to care for and support”.

Having met him and spent time with him, Lesley Turnbull could not agree more.

Wish Upon A Dream is very proud to be able to grant wishes for such brave children.