Hope making wishes come true

Nipuni WIMALAPALA

Little flowers bloom to make the world smell sweet. Just like newly blooming buds, little children are treasures to a nation. They possess the ownership of tomorrow's world. Fulfilling the children's wish of becoming the future is the responsibility of elders.

But sadly they are young buds who do not have hope for the future. They are the children suffering from terminal illnesses. Of course their lives are uncertain as they could leave this world even tomorrow. So fulfilling their life-long dreams and creating positive life experiences for them is a first-class thing.

Religious dignitaries addressing the gathering

From left Dr. Ajitha, Anoma, Nelum, Nirosha and Kishu Gomes at the head table. Pictures by Thushara Fernando

My Wish Foundation fulfills this in a perfect way. Since its inception in August 2009, the foundation has enhanced the lives of children suffering from terminal illnesses by making their true wish a reality. By realizing the wish of a child and through other related social and welfare activities the foundation also aims to enrich and make a life-changing impact on their families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, volunteers and entire community.

The foundation was found and initiated by its present President Nelum Arachchige. The patrons of the foundation are First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Indrani Weerathunga. Good will ambassadors are Nirosha Virajini and Kishu Gomes. My Wish is a registered charity with the National Secretariat for Non Governmental Organizations of the Ministry of Internal Administration.

"In contrast to the western world, the wishes of our children who are faced with life-threatening medical conditions are most often basic and simple. They may take the form of a trip to the beach, zoo or cinema or to meet their hero and may not be elaborate and necessarily expensive," Nelum stated. Most parents are helpless without necessary financial, physical and emotional support at times like these. They spend day and night worrying at hospital corridors or floors.

The first child to be granted a wish by the My Wish Foundation was 8 year old Tharuni who was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. She had a short period to live. Her wish was simple which was turned to be a visit to Zoo, a place she had never been before. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience for the little girl who left the world soon after it. Her mother Dammika Dasanayake said, "After seeing my daughter so happy and excited at being given her wish by the foundation, I now have the memory of my little daughter to hold on to for the rest of my life".

Hadaka Pethuma was a variety show organized by My Wish Foundation which was held on February 19 at the Lotus pond Mahinda Rajapaksa theatre to raise funds. It was attended by the First Lady and featured popular local and international artistes. It was a resounding success, and paved the way to further the noble cause of the foundation.

The main focus of the show was the presence of little Maneesha who was suffering from a spinal cancer who got on stage and made her wish in front of the audience - to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"I offer my service selflessly to this work, as I have seen what a huge positive difference the foundation is making in these children's' lives. Most of them suffer from life threatening illnesses and when there is no cure, there is still something positive to look forward through this amazing wish granting work done by the foundation," Nirosha Virajini added.

"In a world where the success is predominantly measured by rupees and cents and the consequent social class you belong to; it is an enormous task to navigate people towards honoring the social obligation", Kishu Gomes added.

"I truly commend the efforts by My Wish Foundation for taking the lead to make a difference for the terminally ill, our own children and be a morale support to the parents who are in pain or despair.

All human beings should understand, comprehend and realize that life is full of hopes regardless of differences man made or otherwise", he said.

Commenting on the future plans of the Foundation, Nelum noted that currently they planning on building a Cancer Support Centre for which, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given his blessings and promised to assist.

The proposed centre would be manned by trained play therapists and counselors who will conduct activities for children.

Children and their mothers would be provided with much needed support services including counseling, food, sanitation etc.

My Wish calls upon stakeholders and like- minded citizens to be a part of the foundation to strengthen their effort.

More hearts and more hands would help heal the emotional and physical distress that these little children go through.