Make a Difference in the Life of a Child Battling a Recurrence of Cancer
So many people have told me how the stories of ELLE's Kids touch their hearts and inspire them. I am happy that I can now share the details of Madeline's promise wish with you.
Back on Friday, November 13, 2015 the ELLE Foundation received a phone call from a frantic friend of Madeline's family. He was beside himself - he had just heard that Madeline and her parents were given devastating news about her recurrence battle. He had called Make A Wish in Connecticut - but since Madeline had already had a wish with her first diagnosis they would not help him. So Make A Wish referred him to the ELLE Foundation.
During her transplant isolation and hospitalization time Madeline and her dad watched all the Star Wars movies. Madeline made a promise to her dad that they would see the Force Awakens together when it was released on December 18th.
The fear at this point was that Madeline would not be able to keep her promise to her dad. After two weeks of emails, phone calls and the compassion of two very, very important gentleman associated with the film and their teams - Madeline's Promise Wish to see the Force Awakens with her dad was going to be granted.
Madeline received a very special phone call on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to tell her that she would be watching his movie on Monday with her dad.
Watch Madeline and her Dad speak with J.J. Abrams.
Luke's, 16, love of music and playing his guitar led to his wish for a Gibson Les Paul Guitar. The ELLE Foundation partnered with the Gibson Foundation to create an extraordinary experience for Luke.
Luke, along with his family, travelled to Nashville, TN for a VIP Tour of the Gibson Custom Shop where Luke had the opportunity to meet with the ultimate guitar experts. The luthiers helped Luke select his new guitar from a number of custom guitars and, before making his final decision, Luke jammed with country music artist Leroy Parnell.
Click here to read the article about Luke and his wish posted 1/16/2016 in the Daily Local News, Downington, PA
Watch Luke jam with Leroy Parnell, country music artist
Lila May had just celebrated her 5th birthday in September of 2015 and had been battling neuroblastoma since the age of two.
Living in Oregon, it was Lilia's final wish to visit Mickey and Minnie at the Disney Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu. She just wanted to spend time in the sunshine, play in the sand and swim in the "Hawaiian Ocean" with her mommy and daddy.
Thanks to generous donations by family, friends and communities touched by the mission of the ELLE Foundation, we were able to grant her wish.
Watch Lila May receive the news that her wish is granted.