Make-A-Wish Foundation of Rhode Island

Below are stories of a few of the several hundred wishes the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Rhode Island has granted. With your support, we can continue to grant wishes to other children who have life-threatening illnesses.

-Colin, 1993

Colin - Colin was diagnosed with cancer when he was just two years old. Colin is one of our chapter's first wish children. His wish to travel to Walt Disney World was granted in May of 1993. In 1994, Colin became our chapter's first "Wish Child Ambassador." For the past eight years, he has worked tirelessly to help promote the Make-A-Wish Foundation and help raise funds so that other children can have their wishes granted. Colin has created many poems and several pieces of artwork for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A piece of his artwork was chosen by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America to be used as part of their National Award Program in 1999. Colin was an award presenter at our chapter's 10th Anniversary Gala and at the Make-A-Wish National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Colin's greatest achievement, however, is that he has been cancer-free for nine years.

Patrick - Twenty-three year old Patrick is the senior member of our wish kid team. Patrick was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) in 1994. After extensive chemotherapy treatments, his cancer went into remission. In 1997, Patrick relapsed. He underwent a bone marrow transplant in 1998. With Patrick's incredible faith and his love of life, he never let his cancer get him down. He has been cancer-free for the past four years. Patrick is a student at Providence College. Patrick has been an inspiration to all of us who have had the honor to know him.

Devon - Devon, who will steal your heart with just one smile, was diagnosed with cancer when she was three years old. Her wish to go to Walt Disney World and meet Cinderella and Mickey Mouse was granted in 1996. Devon attended our Make-A-Wish Ball in 1997 dressed as Cinderella, minus the glass slippers. She danced with her Prince Charming - her dad.

-Chelsea, 1998

Chelsea - Chelsea has the ability to light up an entire room with her sunny disposition. Chelsea was diagnosed with cancer when she was two years old. Like Colin, she was one of our chapter's first wish children. Chelsea's wish was to visit Mickey Mouse with her mom and dad. Her wish was granted when she was three years old. Chelsea has been an active fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping us with many fundraising events. Chelsea has received many courage awards and has been the poster child for the Jimmy Fund. Chelsea has been cancer-free for seven years. She hopes to be a marine biologist someday!

Lenore - Lenore gives new meaning to the word miracle. She waged a valiant battle against cancer twice in her young life. Both times she emerged victorious. She credits her strong belief in God and her parents' devotion for getting her through a one-year stay in Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in 1998. Lenore's positive attitude inspires everyone who meets her. She is our 100th wish child. Her wish to visit Walt Disney World was granted in 1997.

Nicole - Nikki's personality is as bright as her red hair. She has battled a severe heart condition all her young life. To spend time with Nikki one would never know that there has ever been anything wrong with her. She and her parents have participated in several fundraising events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She continues to amaze everyone with her progress. Nikki became our 200th wish child when she and her family visited Walt Disney World in 1999.