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A WWE WISH FOR WILLIAM - GRANTED

Imagine looking out the window to watch all the neighborhood teens gather and enjoy the day. Going outside and joining in on all the fun seems like an easy solution, but not to William. William has been suffering with Lupus since the age of 12. William is now 18 and has been homebound for several years, suffering from depression, and possible blindness from glaucoma in his left eye. William is now approaching adulthood and is seeing a new light. He graduated school in June of 2008 with honors and his views on life, and his struggles, are no longer holding him back. Gretta Smith, William's mother, wanted nothing more than for William to receive one last wish to keep his spirits high and his head higher. Gretta reached out to The Granted Wish Foundation to help grant William's life long wish: to see the WWE Superstars live. The Granted Wish Foundation provided William with four WWE tickets to see the stars in Norfolk, VA and finally join in on all the fun. The foundation was overwhelmed with joy when Gretta informed us of William's excitement and his new found confidence. The Granted Wish Foundation was thrilled to provide William and his mother with the happiness they deserve. Read William's story and kind words from William's mohter, Gretta:

"First I would like to thank everyone for everything they did to make this wish come true for my son. I can't explain the look on my son's face when I told him that his wish was granted. The Granted Wish Foundation has made my son believe in what I tell him almost everyday. If you pray and don't give up, everything is possible. He talks about it to all his friends. William graduated on June 12th, 2008. He graduated with honors. Being I am a single parent, I wasn't able to give William a graduation present. When The Granted Wish Foundation granted his wish I told him, this is your graduation present from me and The Granted Wish Foundation. So I say thanks for this wonderful blessing. I will send you a picture of this wonderful moment when William see the WWE Superstars. I thank god for The Granted Wish Foundation because you granted his wish and you done it so quickly. Again I say thanks. May god bless The Granted Wish Foundation."

Sincerely Grateful, Gretta D. Smith

THE MIRACLE OF LIFE - GRANTED

The Rodriguez family was living a normal happy life. The young couple had one 2 year old son and another child on the way. That all changed one day in August when the loving husband and father, Jairo was involved in a horrific work-related accident; A concrete wall fell on top of him, crushing his skull. His life hung in the balance. But Jairo was a survivor and he had the love and prayers of his adoring family. After nine months and two surgeries, this loving father and husband returned home to his wife, Jessie, son Noah and newborn baby, Isaiah. When Granted Wish heard of this families struggles, we were there to ease their burden. The foundation delivered countless bags of groceries, household items and baby needs to last the family for a long time. Jairo and his sons were there when the delivery was made... The miracle of life stood before us with the biggest smile, the warmest heart and never ending gratitude for helping his family. Read the Rodriguez family's story and kind words from Jairo's wife, Jessie:

"My name is Jessie Rodriguez. In August 2007, my husband, Jairo, was in a horrible accident. He was doing construction work for a company in Maryland when a concrete wall fell on top of him. It caused a blood clot on his brain and a large portion of his skull had to be removed due to the swelling. He did not have health insurance but performed the surgery because it was an emergency. Nine months later... the swelling had finally went down enough to perform the surgery to put that portion of his skull back on. However, this surgery was not an emergency and we could not afford to go through with the surgery.

Several newspapers, churches and businesses in our area heard about our story and contacted us trying to help pay for the surgery and our trip back up to Maryland. After only having seven days to come up with the money, an anonymous donation came in at the very last minute allowing us to go ahead with the surgery.

I was off of work for almost two weeks while I was taking care of Jairo and our two children. (he takes care of them while I work.) Even after I returned to work, I could only be at a part-time level because my husband still could not walk very well or see completely. As if the surgery had not been bad enough, I had no idea how I was going to make ends meet with being off of work like I was. I had only been working there since Thanksgiving so I was also fearful that my job may not be secured when I was ready to go back.

One day I was at home taking care of Jairo's staples from the surgery, wondering how I was going to get formula and diapers for our four month old when we heard the knock at the door. It was two women that I had never met from an organization called The Granted Wish Foundation. Some of my co-workers had gone to them with my story. Not only was I told to take off all the time that I need, but they had bags and bags AND BAGS of groceries and things that I would need, including diapers and formula. This could not have come at a better time.

I was under enough stress just with the surgery, but worrying about how you’re going to feed your family is a totally different type of stress. That's to the wonderful people at Granted Wish, I did not have to add that worry to my list. Thank you so much."

Sincerely Grateful, Jessie Rodriguez

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS - GRANTED

Imagine losing everything you own in the world to a house fire. Imagine your vocal cords burnt from the smoke and fire. Imagine not having a family to help you. Joe experienced this devastating loss. Everything he owned is gone. He had to start his life completely over. But he had his life... and he had his big heart. The Granted Wish Foundation was there for Joe. He was taken to a local store in his area and sent on a shopping spree to help replace some of what he lost. To Joe, it was like winning the lottery; to The Granted Wish Foundation, it was filling his big heart ten times the size of any house!

Read what Joe had to say:

"I came home from work one evening late 12:30am. My mobile home was cold so I turned on the furnace and electric heaters. My breaker clicked off in the bedroom so I turned them back on. I returned to the bathroom to see smoke coming over top of the wall. I went back to the bedroom closet to find it on fire. I tried to put it out with no success so I proceed outside because the smoke was choking me. I had the neighbor call 911 and the fire department. By the time they arrived my trailer was completely engulfed in flames. They extinguised the fire. It was a total loss. Nothing could be salvaged. I was devastated and extremely depressed.

Granted Wish answered an ad I had put in the paper about my fire and said they would try to help. A couple days later they contacted me and said they would help me with food, clothing, household items or anything I would want or need from the local Wal-Mart. The Granted Wish Foundation is a gift from Jesus. They have assisted me with food, clothing, household items or anything I need or want. They are a blessing, a miracle and one of the best or the best organizations I have ever heard of or had help from. They truly care for folks with emergencies. They have gave me hope, relieved my depression, made my life easier, better adn have helped me more than anyone in my life.

I cannot thank them enough. I praise god that they found me. The Granted Wish Foundation - may I thank you. You are truly a miracle and a blessing. God bless you and I truly love you. No words can describe how much you have helped me. Praise Jesus and The Granted Wish Foundation."

God Bless You! Sincerely and Gratefully, Joseph B. Wilgus

MY ANGEL IN HEAVEN - GRANTED

There is never a time where the loss of a loved one is ever easy. But imagine a sudden loss and not possessing the funds to provide a funeral or burial. Imagine having to park on a street corner with signs adorning your vehicle begging for help with the funds to bury your loved one. That is exactly what William had to do. When Granted Wish became aware of the situation, we came to the rescue. We made arrangements to help cover the funeral cost so his wife could be buried without further delay. Though William's pain is deep, a heavy burden has been lifted for him. His healing process has begun knowing that his Angel is now in heaven.

Read his kind words to us:

"Me and my family would like to thank The Granted Wish Foundation for their wonderful contribution to my wife, Patricia Leach's funeral expenses. It is so nice to know that there are thoughtful and caring people in this world. My wife would have also been grateful that she was able to have a proper burial. Again, thank you so much for your kindness during these hard times."

William Leach and Family

A MOTHER'S LOVE - GRANTED

How can you put a price on a mother's love for her son? Mary's son, Ronald, lost his wife three years ago. On top of that, he is on kidney dialysis and is awaiting a kidney transplant. Mary just wanted to make her son a little more comfortable and contacted Granted Wish regarding a warm portable fireplace unit that would help her son. Without hesitation The Granted Wish Foundation had a beautiful oak mantle heating unit sent directly to her son. There is nothing like a mother's love!

Read what Mary and Ronald had to say:

"To the dear friends of The Granted Wish Foundation. It is with deep gratitude that I send this letter and as well as the phone call. Thank you for the gift of the heater for Ronald Schroeder. Your kindness of love will always be appreciated. It is people like you who make the world a wonderful place to live. You are truly a blessing from God to help someone in need. you will always be remembered in our prayers for the great work you are doing. If at any time I can do anything for the foundation please feel free to ask. May God bless you and your Foundation for all that you are doing."

With love in Christ, Mary Basye

"To the staff of The Granted Wish Foundation. Words cannot express your kindness and love for the gift of the oak Heat Surge unit that I am receiving. It is nice to know that there are still people like you to help someone in need. My thanks goes to my mother for writing on my behalf. about my illness. I'm happy you are naming the request, "A Mother's Love." We will be searching the internet for the letter. I think God for the healing power he has given me in the time of illness. You can be sure that I will express my feelings to others for the good work you do by helping so many people in need such as myself. May God Bless you for all your good deeds."

Yours truly, Ronald Schroeder

JUST LIKE SISTERS - GRANTED

It doesn't matter to Gloria Hull that Connie Hensley is just her sister-in-law; to Gloria, Connie IS her sister. Connie Hensley has had two heart operations, is on dialysis three times a week which is a 100 mile one-way trip, and lives with her husband, Wayne, who disabled. Snow is abundant in their area and the days and nights are very cold. Gloria wanted to do what she could to make her "sister" more warm and comfortable so she contacted Granted Wish to see what we could do. A beautiful Heat Surge heater with an oak mantle was sent to Connie. There is nothing like a sister!

Read what Gloria had to say:

"Thank you for helping Connie Hensley. The Heat Surge heater helps relieve her pain and she can take it from room to room. It is saving on the fuel bill and the mantle is very pretty. She really loves it and we want to thank all of the Board of Governors to be so thoughtful."

Thanks Again - Gloria Hull

KENNY & ME – GRANTED

Kenny Rogers' biggest fan, Helen Marsh, a mentally challenged woman, had a dream and a wish to sing with Kenny Rogers on stage. "I just wanted to sing with Kenny Rogers, they all told me – impossible. My wish was granted and I have my brother Orville to thank for telling them about my dream." Helen Marsh, a winner of the Roving Excellence Award for the mentally challenged, had her wish granted!

LOOKING THROUGH THE "EYES" OF LOVE – GRANTED

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH! – GRANTED

The Granted Wish Foundation provided a group of underprivileged children a day to remember for the rest of their lives! Four children were treated to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus in Cleveland Ohio. They arrived in style via a luxury corporate coach, courtesy of one of our sponsors, PatentHEALTH. Granted Wish Volunteers provided their favorite snacks and drinks along with movies and fun and games on the way to the big event. The children were escorted to VIP Celebrity front row seating and joined the actual circus during a very special segment of the show. Their smiles were endless! But the day was not over for our well-deserving kids; after the show, our volunteers accompanied them on an amazing journey of Halloween trick-or-treat!

THE CATS MEOW – GRANTED

A WISH FOR JOEY – GRANTED

Everyone who meets Joey falls in love with him. We guarantee you will too. Joey is a two year old boy with spinal muscular atrophy. He is confined to a wheelchair and was in need of a wheelchair ramp to make it easier for his parents, Ashley and Christopher. The Granted Wish "Teens For Dreams" Program came to the rescue. Two Ohio rival schools joined together to raise money for Joey’s ramp. The three-week event culminated in the annual basketball game between the two schools where Joey and his family were in attendance. A halftime presentation with Joey was made to the capacity filled crowd. As Joey entered, the student bodies chanted, "Joey, Joey, Joey." His smile lit up the entire room as the crowd rose to their feet with thunderous applause. At that moment, the entire world seemed to fall in love with Joey!

LIFE’S SECOND CHANCES - GRANTED

Imagine not seeing your child for six years…. Imagine making a mistake, but being given a second chance to make things right. That is just what The Granted Wish Foundation was able to do for Andy. There is nothing like a mother or fathers love and reuniting a father and a son after six long years was the substance that dreams are made of.

Read what Andy had to say:

When talking to Andy, it is evident how blessed he feels to be reunited with his son after several years. He describes seeing his son for the first time from a distance and hearing his son shout, "That's my dad!" Hugging and holding on for what seemed like hours followed. "It is an unbelievable feeling and without Granted Wish's help, I would never had the opportunity to have this incredible feeling inside." Faith and hope kept Andy's dream of reuniting with his son a reality. With tears in his eyes, recounting the remarkable reunion he and his son shared, he pauses to relate a very emotional quote that kept his hopes and dreams alive; "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1