Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America

Granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical

The Make-A-Wish Foundation enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From its humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, the Foundation has evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the U.S. every 40 minutes.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been a Jewelers for Children Legacy Charity since 1999, providing over $8 million to grant wishes across the U.S. Thanks to the generosity of the jewelry industry, JFC’s funds have granted the heartfelt wishes of more than 1,100 children – including Cole, who boarded the train to fun for his one true wish!

Granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical

Eight-year-old Cole has always been fascinated by trains.  Since he was very young, he has loved learning about them.  From reading about actual engines to playing with model train sets throughout his home, Cole loves all things trains.

Cole has muscular dystrophy, a condition in which muscles become weaker and muscle fibers can often times be replaced by fat and connective tissue.  Cole doesn't let it interfere with his inquisitive nature and endearing personality, however.  He is always asking questions and wanting to learn as much as he can, particularly about one of his favorite subjects-trains. 

It came as no surprise when Cole was referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation by his doctor that he wished to go to the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County, Pa.  Soon, Cole's wish was granted and he was more than ready to spend endless hours at the various restaurants, museums, and attractions all revolving around trains.

The adventure for Cole and his family began right away with a private tour filled with information on the restoration of the trains in Strasburg. After the tour, the conductor asked if he wanted to drive his family around in the miniature steam train.  With a big grin on his face, Cole could not say yes fast enough.

Throughout the rest of the trip, Cole was able to see the sights of Strasburg and make lasting memories, including a trip to Amish Village and dining at train-inspired restaurants.  One of his favorite parts of the trip was a personal tour at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania where he was able to explore the engines on all sorts of trains, including his favorite, a Conrail.

"I honestly thought Cole's eyes might pop out of head," Cole's mom said of his excitement after their trip to the museum.  "I really didn't know what to expect when we got here but it has surpassed anything I could ever have imagined, Cole's mom said.  "I just can't get over how wonderful all the people were. [Cole] having his own time in the spotlight was definitely a positive thing for his self-esteem."
From seeing the model train replicas to simply running around the playground at his hotel, Cole enjoyed every minute of his trip. Cole's fascination with trains will certainly continue as his trip was an unforgettable experience.

Cole’s wish is just one of more than 1,100 wishes that Jewelers for Children has sponsored across the United States since 1999.  Thanks to the ongoing support of JFC, children with life-threatening medical conditions will continue to have the opportunity to share the power of a wish®.

 

To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org.