Make-A-Wish Arizona and the Prescott YMCA have come together to surprise wish kid Paula Pratt, 12, with a year membership for her and her family for the YMCA.
Paula, who was diagnosed at 18 months with a life-threatening seizure disorder, had brain surgery in 2012 but is moving forward in her care, thanks in part to her love of the water. She regularly swims with her mother and her sister as a form of therapy and enjoyment.
“We are thankful the YMCA was willing to partner with us to make Paula’s wish come true,” said Elizabeth Reich, chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “This is a unique wish for us but knowing that Paula will be able to use their indoor pool year-round, and bring her mother and sister with her to enjoy some time, makes us excited about this new partnership.”
“On behalf of all the dedicated volunteers who help raise money to provide scholarships to kids and families, we are very happy to partner with Make-A-Wish Arizona to help Paula’s wish come true!” said Damon Olsen, chief executive officer of the Prescott YMCA. “Each year the Prescott YMCA provides scholarships and financial aid to the Prescott and surrounding communities. In 2012 our YMCA provided over $160,000 worth of YMCA programs and services to the kids and families in need in our community”.
“With more than 400 eligible Arizona wish kids currently waiting for their one true wish, having the support of local organizations like the YMCA helps our organization grant more wishes every year,” continued Reich. “We could not continue to grow the number of wishes we grant without the help of our donors, both individual and corporate.”
This year, Make-A-Wish Arizona has granted a record 300 wishes.
About Make-A-Wish Arizona
Make-A-Wish Arizona is the founding chapter of Make-A-Wish, the world’s largest wish granting organization which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. With the help of generous donors, Make-A-Wish Arizona grants more than 300 wishes annually. For more information, visit www.wishaz.org to discover how you can share the power of a wish.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit www.prescottymca.org and click the “Donate Now” button.
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