The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : For that smile on a child’s face

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

For that smile on a child’s face

Staff Reporter

An NGO is helping in keeping the smile going
It fulfils wishes of those in the three to 18 age group

HAPPY: A beneficiary of Make a Wish Foundation’s largesse.

BANGALORE: Few situations in life can be more tragic than a child battling life threatening illness. Parents can only watch helplessly while doctors somehow attempt to set things right. A Bangalore-based non-governmental organisation called Make a Wish Foundation is attempting to intervene and cater to the child’s wishes, and keep the smile going.

The organisation is aiming to cater to the wishes of children aged between three and 18, especially those who face endless rounds of hospital visits, painful treatment and medication.

The foundation volunteers to meet the children, take note of their wishes and shortlist their wants. “The wishes belong to four categories: wishing to become, wishing to go, wishing to meet and wishing to have,” says Vijay Ladha, Programme Director, MWF. “We launched our programme in January. And till date, we have fulfilled about 20 wishes,” he said.

However, the fulfilment of all children’s wishes requires the doctor’s consent. “Sometimes, it is not possible to fulfil the wishes of a child. One boy wished to play cricket but the doctor did not allow it,” says Mr. Ladha.

Among the wishes the foundation has catered to include visits to the Mysore zoo, wanting a doll as big as a child, possessing a gold fish bowl, learning music and playing musical instruments.

Children who are avid fans of celebrities and sports stars also get their dreams fulfilled. Mr. Ladha said, “The whole concept of fulfilling the wish is important. If a child wants to learn music, we have to ensure that there is a teacher to train her.” “It is very touching. Their wishes are so small. One cannot forget the look on their faces,” says Mr. Ladha.

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