Testimonials
A Heart Of Gold | Holiday Heating | Colton's Courage | For The Troops | A Wish For Burn Survivors | For The Children | A WWE Wish For William | The Miracle Of Life | Home Is Where The Heart Is | My Angel In Heaven | A Mother's Love | Just Like Sisters | The Cat's Meow | Looking Through The Eyes of Love | Life's Second Chances | Adopt A Family
A Heart Of Gold
"The Granted Wish Foundation helped my dream come true by letting me meet Brady Quinn who has always been an inspiration to me. Since his days at Notre Dame, when he was breaking records left and right, I always thought that one dream of meeting Brady would never have one chance of coming true. But I knew it would because I had my mind and heart set on meeting Brady, just wasn't sure how until one day I was messing around on my YouTube channel and saw a video of Brady with Granted Wish and I contacted them.
Those 20 minutes on my YouTube channel has changed my life now and forever. When Brady surprised me, it was just as big of surprise as my new heart was. This visit with brady means a lot more than people think. Brady took time out of his life to come meet with me a day after Thanksgiving. Now I'm nothing like I was before. I'm super hyper and full of energy. I would someday love to throw a football with Brady. I can't say thank you enough to The Granted Wish Foundation for making this all happen and to Brady for taking the time to come meet me a day after Thanksgiving."
Thank you all so much! - Alexandra Courville
Holiday Heating
"Mr. Rochelle Walker is a 98 year old long time resident of the Mechanicsville community in downtown Atlanta. A widower with no kids, Mr. Walker lives alone, but is aided day-to-day by his two nieces that he raised who affectionately refer to him as "Paw-Paw". Mr. Walker suffers from cancer and emphysema and lives with one functioning lung. He is on oxygen and must be very careful around harmful fumes and open flames. The Granted wish Foundation was kind and generous enough to bless Mr. Walker with a Heat Surge - a heater that is cool to the touch, has no flame and that does not give off harmful fumes! now, luckily, Mr. Walker is able to remain warm without sacrificing his health."
THANK YOU - Bernita E. Grant
"Thank You Granted wish Foundation! Not only did you put a smile on our face, but also warmth in our hearts."
Love, Candace Y. Perry
"I have had a very bad year financially. Being disabled and on a fixed income, I was not able to buy propane. I have a HUD two bedroom trailer and one heater. I was very cold and very little heat. I called everyone I thought could help me, even the state. No one had any money so I prayed very hard every day for help and found The Granted Wish Foundation. I figured it would turn out like all the rest. Then one day I received a call from Granted Wish. They approved me for a Heat Surge Heater. Who says prayers don't get answered?"
Thank You Granted Wish and God Bless You All! - Robert T. Worth
"It is with the greatest of joy that I write this not saying the greatest of "Thank You's" a human could possibly say. you might be able to imagine how much me, my wife, daughter and granddaughter enjoy that fine, beautiful heater. No longer do we have to put up with cold floors. It was truly a heaven sent blessing. Again, may you and all have great happiness. We will always remember where that beautiful heater came from."
God Bless - Richard Volbert
"I am the director of Destiny House Transitional Facility For Women." We house homeless, abused, battered, drug addict and alcoholic women. The upstairs in our facility was very cold. The heater has allowed residents in our facility to be warm and comfortable.
Thank You Granted Wish Foundation - Sharon Jefferson
"As a single mother with two handicapped sons, life can be, at times, difficult. With a fixed and limited income, the boys and I struggle financially, as the cost of living constantly is greater, especially utilities. When I asked The Granted Wish Foundation for help to purchase the Heat Surge for my family, I was so pleased and surprised that we were chosen for assistance. Within less than two weeks, we received our Heat Surge. What a beautiful piece of furniture! The convenience of being able to move it so easily allows us all to be comfortable in any room. The areas of our home that were too cold in the winter months are no more!"
Thank you so much for your kindness - Mona Piroch, Ron and Troy
Colton's Courage
"My name is Todd Wolfe. I am the father of 4-year old Colton Wolfe, who was diagnosed with Neroblastoma. Upon notifying friends and family of this serious children's cancer, my longtime friend, Shannon, began a fundraiser as I am spending all of my time with Colton and not working. The Granted Wish Foundation was notified and responded with a donation of the Amish Wood Electric Fireplace. Thank God for people like Shannon, family and friends at the benefit and The Granted Wish as I will be able to be by my son's side through this very tough fight."
Thank You & God Bless - Todd M. Wolfe
For The Troops
"This was our "2nd Tour of Duty". On March 29, 2009, we made with all our children 8,497 cookies. Granted Wish came to the rescue with the shipping cost. They sent 175 boxes of cookies with 4 dozen in each box to Camp Pendleton in California. This was the 2nd tim that we sent cookies overseas to our soldiers that have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are humbled by their bravery and commitment in making this nation a wonderful place.
We would like to thank everyone who helped from our children at Young Chefs Academy, my staff of wonderful ladies that make all of this seem so easy and to Granted Wish for "helping me" to grant my own wish. Helping to continue to "Pay it Forward". You're a fabulous organization and words cant express my sincere gratitude."
Dorothy Dittemore, Owner, Young Chefs Academy
A Wish For Wheels
"On a trip to the beach, we saw and adult tricycle. I tried it out myself and felt it would be something my son could use. Shawn is 27 and has cerebral palsy and autism. He no longer qualifies for physical therapy. We go to our local YMCA and he swims in a warm water pool, but I felt he needed more movement. I went online and found "The Granted Wish Foundation." I contacted them and in a month, I found out our wish would be granted.
In the process of finding funding, an article about this wish appeared in our local newspaper thanks to The Granted Wish Foundation. This article was seen by our case manager who contacted me to tell me she knew a way to get it! We had to wait a few months for the tricycle to arrive, but it's here now and Shawn his enjoyed riding it on the few warm days we've had. We really look forward to spring and riding all around our neighborhood."
Thank You Granted Wish Foundation for making our dream come true! - Sandra Phillips
A Wish For Burn Survivors
"Burn Survivors Throughout The World, Inc. (BSTTW) is an international 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers a support team, advocacy, education, medical referrals, medications and medical equipment, financial support and a strong internet site, (www.burnsurvivorsttw.org), for people who suffer a burn injury and their family members. BSTTW also offers burn injury recovery information and fire safety education information to firefighters, governments, militaries and the public worldwide. BSTTW is currently working in India, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Slovenia, Spain, Tanzania, the UK the United States and Viet Nam. In the United States BSTTW has offices in Colorado, Florida and Texas.
BSTTW is currently setting up a home for two burn survivors to live, gather support, see doctors, rebuild friends and reenter the community. The two Heat Surge Handmade Amish Oak Fireplace Heaters will be used to help keep the two burn survivors warm during the cold days in the winter months. Each burn survivor suffered severe burn injuries and are in need of help through final stages of their recovery. With the help from BSTTW and the assistance from foundations like The Granted Wish Foundation and the general public, we will offer the burn survivors educational support, friendship, transportation and the happiness needed to rebuild their lives and reenter the community.
With the financial and volunteer support from foundations and the public, an individual in the USA and other countries around the world that suffers a burn injury can receive the help needed from organizations like Burn Survivors Throughout The World, Inc. God Bless The Granted Wish Foundation and all of you that take part in helping BSTTW reach our goals and take part with us to rebuild the lives of individuals who suffer a burn injure and their family members."
Michael Appleman, CEO
For The Children
"The Granted Wish Foundation was brought to me by surprise. I was asked to join a team planning a mission's trip to the Philippines, but did not have the means to participate. I was asking every person in my life to sponsor my journey. A very close friend of the family had given my name to The Granted Wish Foundation and the call alone touched my heart. They gave me a generous donation, and a chance to start my dream.
Mission works had always been a dream of mine. While other young girls were playing dress up, I was dreaming about saving the world. I wanted nothing more than to fly to Africa and adopt all the abondoned children. As I grew older, I realized that I might need a pretty big house to fulfill that particular dream. So I decided that I would take my idea to the people. I would build the housing that they needed, and lay it on a foundation of Christ's love. First I had to lay my own foundation. I needed a trip where I could actually be a part of the reality these people faced, and the trip to the Philippines was just that.
This experience, that was possible because of The Granted Wish Foundation, and so many others, will never be forgotten. I met the most amazing people in the most trying of times. We went to four villages where people were living in huts with dirt floors and only eating one small meal a day. We provided them with the necessities of life and gave them enough food to have the proper three meals a day. We also donated blankets, clothing, shoes... They were so thankful for everthing from the food to the toliet paper, a luxurious item in their country. We also attended the local schools and donated a generous amount of school supplies. The children were fascinated by the variety of crayons America had to offer.
The Philippine people are the most joyful people I have ever met. They see life as a blessing. We live in great conditions, even in the worst of times, but still we complain. While in the Philippines, I never heard one word of worry or doubt, only thanks. This country and its people will be a part of me forever. I went to the Philippines with a plan to help and touch the lives of its peoples, but in the end they helped me."
Elisha Suarez
A WWE Wish For William
"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
"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
"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."
Gold Bless You! Sincerely and Gratefully, Joseph B. Wilgus
My Angel In Heaven
"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
"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
"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
The Cat's Meow
"The 2 Heat Surge units donated to Tourniquet, Inc, (DBA "Cats Purrfect Rescue") by The Granted Wish Foundation are fantastic! The warmth emitted by the units at both levels, low and high is safe to the touch. Subsequently, the cats and kittens at our facility can sit or romp anywhere around the heater, in front of the heater or on top of the mantle and be safe and protected at all times.
Unlike traditional heaters used in the past, (that posed single burn problems if the cats got too close) the heat surge units provide excellent heat with no threat of harm, no matter how close the kitties get to the units! In addition to the important safety feature, the heat Surge units are aesthetic! The simulated fireplace, with mantle, lends beauty to anywhere it's positioned in any setting! These units blend in to create a warm, cozy, homey atmosphere -just "purrfect" for the cats at our shelter!
Many winter days will be spent in radiant safe warmth at our facility due to the generous donation of two Heat Surge units donated by The Granted Wish Foundation! Our "warm" gratitude is eternal!"
With much appreciation for your compassion, Jacqueline D'Elia
Looking Through The "Eyes" Of Love
"I was once asked, "What makes life worth living?" At the time I really didn't put much thought into the answer of "Having fun and dying young!" I believe that phrase was more of a quip retort, chock full of sarcasm from my youth, but the phrase does still hold value in its' first half.
Every day in life, we all come across some form of hardship, bad news, or life changing events, whether it's in our own eyes, in our own lives, or in the lives of others. Many people choose to ignore these sad but ultimately true and real situations in our lives as well of those in the rest of the human race.
There are, however, some people that find a sense of joy and compassion for others that you cannot put into words. I was lucky enough to meet with several of these fine people when I was offered the opportunity to have corrective laser eye surgery, free of charge.
My name is Patrick McGuinness. I was born with a degenerative genetic disorder called Cystic Fibrosis or CF for short. The disorder over time affects your lungs, pancreas and intestines. In its' later stages it becomes a debilitating disorder. I have been fortunate enough to be able to maintain a medication and dietary regimen that has kept me out of the hospital for most of my life. I have however had a few slip ups along the way, during which I had accrued a substantial medical debt.
Federally funded programs for disorders such as CF are slim to none, so it was difficult to get support for my medical debt, until I was accepted for Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps, or BCMH for short. Over the past several years the government has tried changing the benefits coverage for this plan. The most widely effecting change was the elimination of all coverage for patients 21 and older. Since genetic disorders worsen overtime, this was in complete contradiction to logic, but was being planned on anyway.
My family and I took it upon ourselves, with the help of countless others to go to Columbus, Ohio and testify in front of the Senate Committee to petition this drastic change that would have practically put us on our death beds. During the next year after the changes were nullified I was featured in the Akron Beacon Journal twice, as follow ups. One of these articles sparked the interest of one of the team members at Granted Wish.
I was contacted by my Mom, who was contacted by a reporter from the Akron Beacon Journal, because they had received a phone call asking for permission to talk with me by Granted Wish. My Mom was kind enough to call them back and discuss my medical history and tentative future with them. After their talk, they asked my Mom if there was anything that I enjoyed doing, or if there was anything that they could help me with.
My Moms' response to that was "You know, he has a lot of medical issues, but there's only one that he can fix." She was talking about my eyes. I have always wanted Lasik eye surgery, because that truly is the one thing I could fix.
Immediately they responded with "Let us make a phone call." Within a matter of a day or two they had set me up for an end to end surgical consult, preparation, surgery, and post surgery care.
Many people say they can't say enough about, or put into words their feelings for the people who have helped them, that have saved them, or about the heroes in this world that have effected them. That stands true for me when I look back at the selflessness, and undying care for others every single person from Granted Wish, Aultman Hospitals, and Dr. Karns showed me the short time I had the true privilege of spending with them.
The surgery and recovery was a 100% success, I now have 20/15 vision and can check off one victory for team Pat, thanks to the people that have become my family for the rest of my life. If ever there is a call to answer, it is that of volunteerism and I will answer that call if ever it comes from the people of Granted Wish, Aultman Hospitals or the offices of Dr. Karns.
I wish to finish by leaving you with a quite befitting quote. "It is not who you are that people will remember, but rather your actions, in this life and the next."
God bless every one of you, and may there always be a silver lining even in your darkest cloud."
Sincerely, Patrick McGuinness
Life's Second Chances
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
Adopt A Family (2008)
"My family was very surprised on Christmas when they opened their gifts. Every time my daughter opened up her gifts, she kept saying, "wow, I like that!" She wanted to play with her toys as soon as she opened them up. I had to tell her she had to wait because she had more to open. My son liked everything he got. My kids are very thankful for what Granted Wish has done for them. I'm very thankful for what Granted Wish has done for me and my family. I never knew there was someone out there like Granted Wish that could make wishes come true like that. I was very emotional when I seen what was delivered and when I wrapped up the gifts I cried again. I just want to say thank you for everything you have done for my family."
Lorie Lautenschlager
"To all of you at The Granted Wish Foundation: We thank you all so much for the wonderful gifts. I wish you all could have been with us on Christmas morning to see our faces. You all have brought so much joy to my family this holiday season! Everyone was so nice! thanks again for your thoughtfulness and for being so mindful of my family."
Rhonda, Simon, Naomi Jael & Hannah Smith
"May your holidays be as kind to you as you are to everyone in your life! thank you and God bless you!"
The Medlock Family - Makesha, Chara, Yolanda, TaShanti & Jordan
Adopt A Family (2007)
"My Dear Granted Wish Foundation: How can my husband and I thank you enough for all that you have done this Christmas Eve. As you know, we are a treatment foster home and have 7 children. Three of our children are biological and the other 4 children are our foster children. We love what we do and it keeps us busy but we wouldn't have it any other way. Like your organization, we love to give back and this was the way the Lord called us to do so. We want you to know how much we appreciate all you did for us this holiday season. The smiles on our children's faces will be remembered forever. We loved watching every minute of the wrapping paper flying everywhere and them asking, "How did you know I wanted This!" God sure is good to his people. That's all I can say. The people who did the shopping did a great job; please thank them for us. What an act of love and kindness from them. They took time out of their busy season to love others they don't even know! The giving is beyond anything we could have ever expected. We are moved beyond words. The food you brought us lasted a while and was Soooo good. We were able to share the "wealth." We invited some families over that are unemployed this holiday season. They were blown away at the fact we could serve them shrimp while the turkey finished cooking. Last minute placements we received right before Christmas. We were able to share with them how God loves us all the same and that we can never take any of it for granted. Ha Ha….Granted Wish. Now that's funny!
Anyway, we wanted to thank you all for making this season so special for our family, it has not gone unnoticed or by any means un-appreciated. We have shared with all our children that they are loved and are good enough to be loved. Some of our children couldn't understand why anyone would give them something without anything in return. Some of our children have come from very difficult places and found it hard to receive these gifts for themselves. They are treating their gifts very well and appreciated them everyday. At night, while they are sleeping in their Superman and Princess sheets, they pray for your Foundation and pray blessing over all who were a part of this seasons giving.
The love you have show goes farther than you may realize. You have just moved, touched, and blessed the next generation. You have put hope and happiness in our children's hearts and for that we thank you from the bottom of ours!!"
With great appreciation, The Postlewaits
Adopt A Family (Christmas Eve, 2007)
"Dear Granted Wish Foundation, I would like to thank you for blessing my family. We had the best holiday ever. It was a blessing from God. I felt like a child again! When I looked out and seen all the people and all the gifts they had brought it was as if I had seen Santa's sleigh and Rudolph's flashing nose. I haven't seen smiles on my children's faces so big. It was a point in my life where I felt like giving up, being sick and unable to work so you have no income causes me a lot of stress. The things that keep me going is the beautiful people in my life! My three gifts from God, my children I pray to God less stress to make my children's lives better. I will never stop praying. The Lord has blessed me by putting wonderful people on my path."
Thank you again for granting our wish, Dawn, Bryce, Timothy and Davonna Carr
