Help make kids’ dreams a reality
THE Make-A-Wish Foundation has put a call-out for more volunteers to help turn some children’s dreams into reality, including those in the Far North.
Eight-year-old Armani Mercer, from Innisfail, had her dream come true earlier in the year when she got to swim with the dolphins at the Gold Coast.
Armani suffers from a rare illness, metachromatic leukodystrophy. After a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy, her condition stabilised.
Her mother, Renai Wiber, said Armani was beyond excited that she got to swim with the dolphins.
“Honestly, it touches my heart, it was the most beautiful time that me and my children
have had together,” Ms Wiber said.
“It was a stress-free holiday – they did everything for us, down to our accommodation and money in the bank for food. They took a lot of pressures and stress of a holiday and we created a bond as a family.”
Ms Wiber said she was contacted by Make-A-Wish but was hesitant to get in touch, as she was going through an overwhelming time, but said once she did, it was the best thing for the family and Armani.
“She was just happy, stoked. The water was a bit cold for her but she was mesmerised with the dolphins, she was very happy,” Ms Wiber said.
“She mentioned the other week that she wanted to go back to the Gold Coast. It was a beautiful time.”
Ms Wiber said it wouldn’t have happened without all the volunteers involved at the Cairns branch.
Make-A-Wish Australia chief executive Sally Bateman said volunteers played a vital role in making wishes come true.
“We hope by sharing Armani’s story and the amazing work of the Wish Force at our Cairns branch, we can highlight the lasting impact that wishes have on seriously ill children and their families,” Ms Bateman said.
Volunteers can register at www.makeawish.org.au.