Four-Year-Old Abigail Is the 3000th Wish Child at The Rainbow Connection
Since its humble beginning in 1982, The Rainbow Connection has been making dreams come true for Michigan children with life threatening illnesses. The Rainbow Connection, a 4-Star Charity Navigator organization, recently celebrated granting its 3000th wish.
Founded by Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson, in honor of Ron Dobson and his two children who were killed tragically in a plane crash, The Rainbow Connection began raising funds to fulfill special wishes for Michigan children who were fighting for their lives.
From that very first wish when John Bowden shadowboxed with Muhammad Ali from his bed at Children’s Hospital, The Rainbow Connection has dedicated its efforts to putting smiles on the faces of these brave children and supporting their families.
4-year-old Abigail became The Rainbow Connection’s 3000th wish in October of 2015
Just as special as the first wish, and all of the thousand of wishes that have been granted over the past 36 years, 4-year-old Abigail became The Rainbow Connection’s 3000th wish in October of 2015.
Abigail has been battling cancer since 2012. She loves ballet dancing, playing with baby dolls and playing with her 18-month-old brother Joshua. Abigail’s wish is to meet all of the Disney princesses at Disney World, will come true when her doctor gives the approval for travel, hopefully later this year.
“The children we meet are enduring long and painful medical treatments. We bring hope, laughter and something to look forward to – right now, providing a different kind of medicine – the priceless gift of hope and joy” explains Executive Director Mary Grace McCarter.
Although there is no waiting list at The Rainbow Connection, children often have to wait until they have clearance from their physicians. The Rainbow Connection provides surprise packages in the mail, tickets to sporting and entertainment events and a listening ear while the wish child waits for medical treatments to end. From shopping sprees and home theatres to meeting celebrities or the president, The Rainbow Connection works with to ensure that each and every child has the dream of all dreams- a magical once in a lifetime dream that will create memories to last a lifetime.
In addition to making dreams come true the Special Response Program assists families with financial difficulties brought on by expenses of having a child with a catastrophic illness, such as rent, utilities, and even funeral expenses. The Wish Enhancement Program provides fun times for these children and their families through summer picnics, a Holiday Party, and tickets to attend area theatres, concerts and sporting events and The Rainbow Connection Scholarship Program offers $1,000 scholarships each year for wish children going on to college.
What began as a small organization to honor the memory of friends has become a state-wide, nationally recognized charity, bringing smiles to thousands. The Rainbow Connection is fully funded by the donations and support of individuals and corporations dedicated to helping make dreams come true Michigan children with life threatening illnesses.
The Rainbow Connection will host its Dream Makers’ Ball on April 30 at The Townsend Hotel. The gala is the perfect opportunity to enjoy dinner, entertainment and live auction while finding out more about The Rainbow Connection. For ticket information, visit www.rainbowconnection.org.
The Rainbow Connection is located at 621 West University Drive in Rochester, MI. For more information on The Rainbow Connection, including its annual Dream Makers Ball, Walk for Kids or Celebration of Dreams events, visit www.rainbowconnection.org or call 248-601-7494.
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