‘Wish’ of good will

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

The evergreen tale of ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’, included in ‘Arabian Nights’ is a story which had never ceased to enthral and amaze kids for generations. The rags-to-riches tale of the poor tailor's son who became owner of the oriental mystique packed lamp and the genie who granted him three wishes to win the Arabian princess’ hand weaves a spell of enchantment in children's mind to such an extent that they yearn to find means of having their wishes granted but find it a near impossible task.

This is where the ‘My Wish’ Foundation steps in. A first of its kind, ‘My Wish’ is all about granting wishes for terminally ill children. An offshoot of USA's ‘Make a Wish’ foundation, ‘My Wish’ Sri Lanka, works towards brightening the days of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Happy days

“Our approach to the subject is quite different from the West. ‘Make a Wish’ only grants a wish for a child but being a Third World country, I believe that we need more help. We cannot turn a blind eye towards a child who needs financial help for medical treatment or chemotherapy. Loved ones are also requested to keep in contact with the kids to make the last days of their life as happy as possible,” ‘My Wish’ founder and president Nelum Arachchige explained My Wish's origin.

Nelum had been residing in Scotland for several years. She is the initiator of ‘My Wish Charity’ which functions in Scotland. Reputed actor Brian Cox and globally acclaimed Jazz guitarist Martin Taylor are the patrons.

“Taylor is in Sri Lanka to perform at 'Hadaka Pathuma', a musical concert that will be held at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa theatre on February 19 at 7 pm. Popular local artistes like Bathiya Santhush, Amarasiri Pieris, Kasun Kalhara, Nirosha Virajini, Centigradz and many more will be taking part in the event. Taylor is also a trustee and vice president of Scotland's Buddhist Vihara,” Nelum said. She also added that the concert is held in aid of supporting terminally ill children and building a cancer support centre for children.

‘My Wish’ was launched in 2009 under the patronage of First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Secretary of Health Athula Kahandaliyanage. Reputed media personality Sumana Nellampitiya and Dr Ajitha Gamage too contribute to its projects.

Hopeful moment

Speaking about the work that ‘My Wish’ put into bringing a smile on the faces of gravely ill children Nelum questions why we cannot adopt some of the positive aspects and attitudes from the west. “We have taken up elements like music and western attire and incorporated it into our lifestyle.

“Why don't we adopt something positive like giving another human being a moment of hope, strength and joy before they leave this earth? We refer to ourselves as the most compassionate nation in the world but seeing how sick children are treated in countries abroad I realised that we are not looking after our own children,” she mused.

Eight-year-old Tharuni from Welimada was the first to be ‘granted a wish’ by the foundation. She had been suffering from an incurable brain tumour and only had a month to live. Her heart’s desire was to visit the zoo, a place she had never visited.

“She was taken to the zoo with her mother and two trustees from the ‘My Wish Foundation’.

Blissful times

Later, as an extra treat, she and her mother were provided a buffet lunch and an ice cream sundae at a five-star hotel.

“'My Wish’ also looks after the mothers and siblings of the sick children and helps them through counselling.

“Instead of drowning yourself in sorrow, treasure the time you have with the child. Lavish him or her with love and attention. Let the child spend a blissful period before departing from this world,” Nelum said. She invites families for terminally ill children aged between three to 18 to come forward. However she emphasised that the wish they would grant should be expressed by the critically ill child himself or herself.

“Western children want to visit Disneyland, ride a boat or fly in a plane. Our children are so innocent that they have simple desires like visiting the zoo, asking for a story book or a toy. We wish to train volunteers to become play therapists and play assistants. It is a new concept in Sri Lanka. We hope to teach them the basics as well as train them in counselling. There may be individuals who have studied child psychology. They must share their expertise with us,” the old girl of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, stressed on the necessity of the society's contribution towards her path breaking venture.

More information could be obtained from [email protected].