Throughout the month of February, the Make-A-Wish Mississippi Foundation is asking for donations to make four children’s wishes come true.
Make-A-Wish says they have 45 other wishes on the table right now, but they are highlighting four of the kids. Brent Wilson, President, and CEO of Make-A-Wish Mississippi said that on average each wish costs $10,000 and the cost is continually going up.
The four kids that Mississippi’s Make-A-Wish is highlighting are Cooper, Leon, Danny, and Matthew whose wishes range from swimming with dolphins to visiting Washington D.C., and even a customized playset.
“Cooper, he’s just a little boy trapped inside a disabled child’s body,” said Lee Newell, Cooper’s dad. “He wants to experience all of the things that other kids want to do and giving him the opportunity to do that would bring so much joy to his life.”
Cooper’s wish is to have a customized playset with a wheelchair swing and walking path. While another Make-A-Wish family received a service dog, Benny, to help deal with their son’s autism.
“Several years ago we were contacted and asked, ‘have you ever thought about asking for a wish?’ I thought he’s not dying,” said Alicon Johnson, Tanner’s mother. “So many people think that the stigma with Make-A-Wish is that it is really just meant for children with terminal illnesses, those that are dying, just to give them that one last something to always remember for their family and them.”
Alicon said that she didn’t think their family would qualify for a wish and when they got approved they had to think long and hard about what would be a good wish for Tanner as he is non-verbal. They ultimately chose to wish for a service dog that can help Tanner with his autism.
“If you would have told me what Benny would be able to do for Tanner back then, I would have said you’re lying,” Alicon said.
Alicon said that before Benny they did not go out in public with Tanner because they were never sure when he would have a meltdown.
“It was like we were a prisoner in our own home,” Alicon said. “Since Benny has joined our family, we are able to go out in public, I can take him to the store with me, and we have Tanner tethered to Benny. I lead Benny and Tanner follows Benny. They stay connected and Benny ways more than Tanner so he is able to anchor Tanner. It allows me to be hands-free and do normal shopping. He has been a huge help for not only Tanner but for our entire family.”
