It seems as though Louis has always had a fascination for the military – because they protect people and they are brave. Whether at the grocery store or on the street, if there’s a military person within his sight, he approaches them with an enthusiastic smile and an arsenal of questions.

When he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma at the age of 4, his love of the army took on a whole new meaning as he battled the “germies” to get better so he could be a veteran. Louis and his father both shaved their heads not because he may lose his hair but because that’s what soldiers do. His next assignment was to find a fort “because EVERY soldier has a fort.” With one wish, his army-themed play set was delivered and he was ready for some carefree combat.

The play set arrived fully-equipped with slides, monkey bars and everything Louis needs to keep him active, entertained and on top of his duties. A small brigade of special friends –army reservists – stopped by to join in the celebration. They gave him a camouflage uniform and sleeping bag, dog tags, a canteen and some face paint. They taught him all about his new gear.

According to Louis’ mother, “He couldn’t believe it when the reservists showed up. It just solidified that he would get through the fight. He loves his play set and doesn’t stop talking about his special day.”

Wish Granters: Deirdre Trevett & Norman Wedderburn
Referred by: Bernadette Brunetti, his social worker
Wish adopted by: Nancy Strom Endowment Fund

Original post : http://sfla.wish.org/2010/06/14/louis%E2%80%99-very-own-fort/

Bill Daubmann (Mr. Shower Door – Adopt A Wish sponsor) and Dan Rheinschmidt (TGI Friday’s – Corporate partner, Adopt a Wish sponsor) and Norm Wedderburn (Make-A-Wish foundation of Southern Florida President and CEO)

Volunteers, sponsors, wish granters and staff were on hand for the “Breakfast with the CEO” on Thursday, October 8, 2009. The breakfast meeting was an opportunity for volunteers and community leaders to meet and mingle, as well as hear an inspiring message from Norm Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida President and CEO.

Wedderburn’s message was one of hope and determination. He focused on the mission of the Foundation and the need for the community’s involvement. He was clear about the reason the Foundation grants wishes — it’s for the children.

Judith Yevick, West Coast Operations Manager for the Southern Florida chapter, also spoke about the wishes and the wish granters. She spoke of a recent child who had made a wish for a puppy.

“Some wishes are as small as a puppy but they bring such joy to a child that has a life-threatening medical condition,” said Yevick. “This child could have wished for anything but he wanted a puppy to love and hold. Wishes bring joy and hope no matter what the wish happens to be and once you are involved with granting a wish, experience that gift of hope — your life is changed forever.”

The take-away message from the event was involvement. Connie Martin, West Coast Senior Special EventsCoordinator for the Southern Florida chapter, said there are many ways to be involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She listed several: become a volunteer, be a wish granter, be a sponsor for an event, host anevent, talk about the Foundation with your friends and colleagues, invite a member of the Make-A-WishSpeakers Bureau to make a presentation to your company or organization/club, make a donation or Adopt a Wish®.

“There are so many ways to get involved; the important thing is that you get involved. The smile on a child’s face is so worth your time and effort,” said Martin.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is now seeking the community’s involvement. To volunteer, join the Speaker’s Bureau or help with fundraising, please call 239-992-9474.

ABOUT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida grants wishes to children 2 ½ to 18 years old with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Twenty-five years of magic and more than 7,000 wishes later, the Foundation continues its mission to share the power of a wish® with ailing children. For more information or to find out how you can help call 239-992-9474 or visit www.sfla.wish.org.