1985- The Very First Wish!
Fourteen year old John Bowden did not have much hope left as he lay at Children’s Hospital in July of 1985. The doctors had done what they could but John’s young body was no longer able to fight the cancer that had invaded his life and changed him from a carefree boy with a love of all sports to a young man fighting every day just to stay alive. Still, John had a dream. He wanted to meet Muhammad Ali.
With the help of The Rainbow Connection John’s wish came true. The smile and autograph from the champion brightened the day for John and an entire ward of children at Children Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. Ali did a bit of shadowboxing with John and sat down to talk boxing. It was certainly a magical time for John who never dreamed he would be shooting the breeze with his hero! As Ali, left, giving big thumbs up, John beamed with the joy of having a dream come true. Sadly, John Bowden lost his fight to cancer just weeks after his visit with Ali.
We at The Rainbow Connection look back to the magic of that first wish and the memory of John Bowden and vow to make dreams come true for every Michigan child stricken with a life threatening illness. With help from the committed volunteer Board of Directors, the many volunteers and the support of people throughout the state of Michigan The Rainbow Connection marches on and has granted over 1700 wishes since that first wish in 1985.
From something as simple as a computer, a bedroom makeover or as unique as meeting the President of the United States at The White House or a glorious trip to Disney World, with individual and corporate support we have fulfilled over 100 wishes each year.
Since that first wish services have been expanded provide several special programs for our wish kids and their families. Through our Scholarship Program we offer two $1,000 scholarships each year for wish children taking college classes. Our Special Response Program assists families with financial difficulties brought on by expenses of having a child with a catastrophic illness, such as rent, utilities and funeral expenses. The Wish Enhancement Program provides fun times for these children and their families through summer picnics, a Holiday Party, and tickets to attend area theatres, concerts and sporting events.
Thank you to all our supporters for making dreams comes true for these brave children
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Puppy Restores Smile for Local Boy!
6 ˝ year old Giovan from Detroit received good news on Tuesday, and he certainly needed it. Recently, Giovan was told that his cancer had returned. He had previously been in remission. His parents were so thrilled that they bought him a beautiful Beagle puppy to play with. Shortly thereafter the doctors discovered that his cancer had returned, and then his puppy was stolen from their yard. Giovan was devastated. His cancer was back, and his puppy was gone.
When Social Workers at Children’s Hospital contacted The Rainbow Connection about the very sad situation, phonecalls were made immediately in order to bring back some sunshine in Giovan’s life. He received his wish to Disney World last year, and has been going through so much since then. Within days, from the help of many individuals within the community, Giovan was given a brand new 6 week old Beagle puppy, doggie toys and bedding, as well as 50 lbs. of Puppy Chow! “The smile on Giovan’s face when he reached out to hold his new puppy was absolutely incredible,” explains Ingrid Todt, Wish Director for The Rainbow Connection. “This is what The Rainbow Connection is all about.”
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Brandon’s Dream Comes True!
Imagine riding through the woods on your very own four wheeler, feeling the wind in your face and sure that you must certainly be flying! Ten year old Brandon loves the feeling of riding his new four wheeler. Sometimes it is hard for Brandon to get around due to his illness but not so much anymore! He loves being outside, playing with his friends and riding on his dream mobile four wheeler!
On behalf of Brandon and The Rainbow Connection we thank all of you for making his dream come true!
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4 year old Fatima just loves all princesses!
In fact while waiting for her magical trip to have tea with the princesses at magical Disney World arranged by The Rainbow Connection, Fatima was just aching to see the spectacular Disney Princesses on Ice show at The Palace of Auburn Hills. This was trickier than you might think as Fatima’s doctors advised her family that Fatima’s immune system was just not strong enough for her to be in a public place surrounded by people. When The Rainbow Connection found out that Fatima wanted to go and that, in fact, Fatima carried a newspaper ad for the show in her little pink purse she carries everywhere we went to work! With permission from her doctor Fatima was allowed to go to the show if she got there before all the other people and if she was seated in a private suite with her family. The Palace of Auburn Hills donated a suite just for Fatima and Fatima had the greatest time! The Rainbow Connection had full princess wear waiting for Fatima when she arrived and, with help from the Palace, a princess came up to the suite for a special visit! It was pure magic and the experience helped Fatima as she looked forward to building her strength up for her big trip to Disney.
Finally the day arrived to go and the limousine pulled into the driveway to take the entire family off to Florida. Fatima and her family stayed a the incredible “Give Kids The World” Village where the ice cream parlor is always open and room service is available 24 hours! Fatima had full access to all seven Disney parks and never waited in line. Still, the highlight of her trip was being dressed up as a princess throughout her entire visit and meeting all the magical princesses that live at Disney World!
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Jodie Welcomes Home a New Friend!
Jodie had photos of “Charley”, her Yorkshire terrier puppy to share with friends and family as she waited for Charley to get old enough to leave his mom and join Jodie in his new home. Jodie had a shopping spree at the local pet supply store compliments of The Rainbow Connection so she would be ready for Charley’s arrival. After many difficult fashion decisions Jodie decided on a soft fluffy bed, food bowls, carrier and lots of other fun toys for her Charley.
When the special day arrived Jodie was so excited to meet Charley. There was an instant bond between them for sure and Jodie looks forward to the many happy times ahead with her new puppy.
Jodie has been through a lot since her diagnosis of Osteosarcoma earlier this year. Following the amputation of her leg at the knee, Jodie is looking forward to walking again and doctors are optimistic that Jodie is on the mend. Learning to use her prosthetic leg is particularly important because Jodie is welcoming 9 week old Yorkshire terrier puppy “Charley” into the family. Jodie figures she and Charley can give each other the comfort and cuddles she needs. Charley has a very important job ahead of him, but he is well on his way to filling Jodie’s days with the sunshine and comfort that she needs.
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Natalie The Shopping Diva!
Natalie just loves to shop! Still, she has never gone shopping like the shopping spree dream she enjoyed compliments of The Rainbow Connection! The limousine picked her up at her house and brought her to the stores of her choice. The mall knew she was coming and arranged several special surprises just for Natalie. She was greeted at the door and escorted anywhere she wanted to go. Midday she had lunch at the restaurant of her choice and then back to the stores to shop some more! Natalie just loves music and spent some time in the music stores in addition to picking up some of the very latest fashions. 14 year old Natalie was so excited and says if she has to pick her favorite part it was her very first ride in a limousine!
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