George Mark Children's House and Make-A-Wish to Grant Wishes for 12 Kids
Program Aims to Provide Physical and Emotional Benefits for Children and Their Families
March 16, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT: At George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro, children facing chronic or terminal medical conditions receive award-winning palliative care. They have access to skilled pediatric nurses, fun, engaging activities that include art, music and hydrotherapy, and an unparalleled support system. On Saturday, March 16, these children and their families will experience something even more magical: the transformative power of a wish.
During the first ever “Make-A-Wish Day,” 12 volunteer “wish granters” will interview 12 children who are receiving treatment at the George Mark House to determine each child’s one true wish. Once the wishes are identified, Make-A-Wish staff will handle logistics, giving the families a chance to focus on something inspirational. Wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits for children, and can also have far-reaching, positive impacts on their families and communities.
Prior to the wish interviews, the event will kick off with remarks from two wish families: Emelyn Lacayo and Daniel Vasquez, whose daughter Mia wished to have an inclusive playground in 2015, and Kathryn and Joseph Cleberg, whose son Charlie wished to see planes, trains and automobiles in 2011.
WHEN: Saturday, March 16th, 2019
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. Arrival (staff, volunteers, families)
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Opening remarks
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Make-A-Wish volunteers interview families
WHERE: George Mark Children’s House
2121 George Mark Ln.
San Leandro, CA 94578
About Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area:
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In 2019 Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area celebrates 35 years fulfilling magical wishes. With more than 8,600 wishes granted to date, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area serves families in 17 Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Marin, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano and Sonoma.
Research shows children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. This improves their quality of life and produces better health outcomes. Yet, not every child in our territory who is eligible for a wish receives one. With your help, we can change that. For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415-982-9474 or visit www.SF.Wish.org.
About George Mark Children’s House
George Mark Children’s House is a nonprofit organization based in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. As the first freestanding pediatric palliative care center to open in the United States, George Mark Children’s House has been a leader in the pediatric palliative multi-disciplinary care movement since its inception in 2004. George Mark Children’s House exists to serve families with children and young adults who have a serious medical illness and who are seeking family-centered medical care that emphasizes quality of life in a compassionate, supportive atmosphere. For more information, please visit www.georgemark.org.