Make a Wish Foundation Essay

Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about what the Make-A-Wish foundation does for children with life-altering conditions. Thesis Statement: The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, and entire communities. Introduction . I. Attention-getter: â€Å"A wish granted has a deep, life-affirming impact on the wish child and family, creating the hope, strength and joy so greatly needed. What makes each wish even more remarkable is the power to enrich so many others’ lives – from friends, volunteers and donors to sponsors and even entire communities.† –David Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) . II.Establishment of Ethos: I joined the sorority Chi-Omega this August. Chi-Omega has many great things to offer one being the opportunity to work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I will work with children with life altering diseases and watch them get their wishes granted. . III. Preview (each main point): First†¦ I will discuss what Make-A-Wish Foundation is all about Next†¦ I will talk about the steps included in granting a wish Finally†¦ I would like to share what Chi-Omega does for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Transition: I will begin by telling you about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and telling a few stories of wishes. Body: I. Main Idea 1: Make-A-Wish Foundation has evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) 1. Point: Since 1980 Make-A-Wish has enriched the lives of children with life threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) `. a.Sub-point: The Foundation was founded after a little Boy named Chris Greicius realized his wish in life was to become a police officer. Little did he know his wish would be the inspiration for the largest wish-granting organization in the World. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) `. b. Sub-point: Since then, the organization has  blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 193,000 children around the world. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) 0. 2. Point: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes like going to Disney World, being a police officer for a day, shopping sprees, etc. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) 0 a. Sub-point: 17 year old Susana Romero has had extreme kidney problems since she was born and is severely hearing impaired. She was given the chance to make a wish. Since her condition caused her to be in her room most of the time she chose to have her room redone into something for a teen queen. She stated, â€Å"Now it looks beautiful—better than beautiful.† (Edwards) * â€Å"Because of her medical condition, Susana has to spend a lot of time indoors and it is very important for her room to be one of her favorite places.† Stated Mark Pilon president of the local Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Edwards) b. Sub-point: 11-year-old Karina Valverde has received two heart transplants, her first one when she was 11 months old and her second at age 9. She found out she was able to make a wish after seven months in the hospital. â€Å"Karina’s wish is quite unusual.† Friyana Shah, a volunteer, said. She asked to visit the State of Liberty in New York. The trip touched her and her entire family. (Perez, 2010) Transition: Since I told you about what The Make-A-Wish Foundation and a few wish stories I would like to explain the steps in granting a wish. . II.Main Idea 2: The Make-A-Wish website explains four simple steps to granting a wish. Each and every step builds on the next to create amazing experiences that please the kids and their family. 0. 1. Point: The first step in granting a wish is the referral step. `. a.Sub-point: The organization relies on referrals from medical professionals, parents and the children themselves. b. Sub-point: Children between the ages of two and a half and eighteen who have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization may be eligible for a wish. 2. Point: The second step is Medical Eligibility. a. Sub-Point: Make a wish determines a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. b. Sub-Point: The child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy. 3. Point: Step number three is finding the true wish. a. Sub-Point: Make A Wish finds one of their enthusiastic wish teams to learn all about the child’s one very important wish. b. Sub-Point: These passionate  volunteers connect with the children and help explore their imaginations for the experience that will inspire them. 4. Point: The Fourth most important step is creating joy. a. Sub-Point: The wish-granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. They make it an incredible experience that will enrich not just the lives of the children and their families, but often an entire community. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) Transition: The four steps of wish granting cannot be completed without the help of volunteers such as Chi-Omega. III. Main Idea 3: One of Chi-Omegas six purposes is their philanthropy, The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since the start of their alliance they have made a difference in a huge number of children’s lives through volunteering time, talents, and raising money. 1. Sub-Point: Chi-Omegas have organized and sponsored very successful events through volunteering and fundraising. With both they have raised financial support and public awareness. 2. Sub-Point: The Chi-Omega chapter at the University of Arkansas became a Gold Level Sponsor with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 3. Sub-Point: Since 2001 Chi-Omegas at the U of A have raised over $3.8 million and completed over 238,000 volunteer hours. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) Transition: Now that I have told you about Chi-Omega and what I can do to help out with this great organization I will conclude my speech. Conclusion: I.Summary: This wonderful organization touches the hearts of everyone involved through fundraisers and volunteering. . II.Review (each main point): During my speech I discussed what The Make-A-Wish Foundation is all about, the steps in granting a wish, and what Chi-Omega does for the organization. . III.Creative Concluding Thought: Now that I have informed you about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I hope you can take this in consideration to volunteer and help change children’s lives with life-threatening conditions. References Brooke Edwards. (17 July). A ROOM OF HER OWN: Wish comes true for Apple Valley teen with surprise bedroom makeover 17-year-old has kidney problems. McClatchy – Tribune Business News, Retrieved September 13, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 2082473241). Make-A-Wish Foundation of America (2006). Retrieved September, 2010 Perez, C. (2010, August 26). A Dream Come True: Foundation makes girl’s New York trip possible. Dodge City Daily Global.