Pennies from heaven: a handful of spare change can make a difference in the life of a terminally ill child - Make a Wish Foundation

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Gary Wenig

Why make donations to The Make a Wish Foundation or any other organization that grants wishes to terminally ill children? Before my grandson was diagnosed with brain and spinal cord cancer, I might have asked the same question. However, now I know what "making a wish" is all about.

In 1994, my two-year-old grandson, Zakk, became very ill. The doctor treated him for a cold, but his parents felt his condition was more serious. When Zakk started losing his vision and control of his legs, he was rushed to the emergency room. X-rays revealed a tumor the size of a small lemon at the base of his brain stem and dozens of smaller tumors along his spinal cord.

Zakk was immediately airlifted to Salt Lake City, Utah, for surgery. The tumor on his brain stem was successfully removed, but the tumors on his spinal cord were inoperable. Then, chemotherapy was prescribed because one has to be at least three years old to be given full radiation. The prognosis stated Zakk would not live to see his fifth birthday. Fortunately, his cancer went into remission for two and a half years.

Just after Zakk turned five, he started having blurred vision again. The loss of bodily functions and partial paralysis from the waist down immediately followed. CAT scans revealed the tumor had returned. The second brain surgery was also successful and followed by a six-month round of radiation. As a result, his cancer went into remission for more than three years.

Last year, the symptoms returned and Zakk had his third surgery. The tumor was much larger than indicated by the scans. Apparently, scar tissue had built up and blocked some of the X-ray imagery. The doctor cut as far as possible without causing permanent paralysis. Zakk underwent chemotherapy again, but was given less than a 3 percent chance of survival.

Now that I'm finished with the medical details, I will introduce the heroes of this article and explain what your donations do for thousands of terminally ill children. The following are a few organizations that helped my grandson and his family.

The Ronald McDonald House

When your child is airlifted to a hospital for emergency surgery, you cannot work, have huge hospital bills and need living accommodations. This is especially trying six months at a time--not once, but three times in six years. Just having somewhere to shower is a major ordeal. Zakk's parents rotated, one would spend time with Zakk, while the other stayed with Ammon, Zakk's younger brother, at the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House provides rooms, showers, food, kitchens, toys, phones, TVs and much more. The charge is minimal and the assistance priceless.

Give Kids the World

In this program, children and parents receive a break from doctors, hospitals and needles. Children in this program are given priority entrance into rides, restaurants and facilities. A condominium, airfare, video recorder and passes to Universal Studios, Disney-MGM Studios and Busch Gardens are provided for families--all free of charge.

Pilot for a Day

This program would have been my wish also--a day with the Black Widow Squadron in Salt Lake City and an Air Force Thunderbirds air show. Zakk and Ammon also flew (simulated) in flight suits and received patches, photos and a Black Widow Squadron coin. Although Zakk was ill that day, any day not spent in the hospital is a great day.

Junior League of Salt Lake City

This program provided a ninth birthday party for Zakk and his friends at Water World. The toll from six years of medical treatments not only drains all your energy, but also your finances. Simple things, like a birthday party, become luxuries you cannot afford.

Shop with a Cop

In this program, the children are given $100, driven in a patrol car and accompanied by one or two police officers to the mall for Christmas shopping. The children shop for their parents, siblings and other relatives. Some of the officers say it's difficult to get the children to buy a gift for themselves.

With a terminally ill child in a family, many people forget there are siblings. Zakk's needs always came first and Ammon graciously understood. While Ammon's friends were at the playground or playing video games, he was at the hospital with Zakk. All of these organizations include siblings, giving them a much-needed boost. Grief Busters is currently helping Ammon cope with his brother's death.

Through the years, numerous organizations, individuals and churches have donated airline and ball game tickets, food, gifts, money and more--I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. Terminally ill children need more than medical attention. The next time you see a donation box, I hope you will at least donate your spare change. You may never know which family it helps, but I guarantee they will feel your love. (1)

(1.) Zakk passed away April 9, 2002, due to complications from his fifth brain tumor. God bless all the wonderful people who tried to ease his burden.

Gary Wenig has 30 years' experience in architectural engineering and owned a steel manufacturing company. He has constructed many projects, including historical renovations, houses, hospitals, schools and power plants. He currently works for the Logicon division of Northrop Grumman at the Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Command Battle Simulator and writes construction articles in his spare time.