Despite the unprecedented challenges we faced in 2021, we haven’t lost sight of our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child. With equal parts innovation and creativity, an expanded appreciation for new technologies, and a steadfast dedication to protecting the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and wish kids, we worked tirelessly to grant the heartfelt wish of every child that we could in a safe manner. In 2021, we granted 337 wishes to local children including Jasen, Valentina, Victoria. As our communities begin to re-emerge, the health and safety of our wish families will continue to be our highest priority.
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Welcome Dr. Laura D’Addese to Our Chapter
Medical Advisory Council
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We are pleased to welcome Dr. Laura D’Addese, Pediatric
Cardiologist, at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to our Chapter Medical Advisory Council. Dr. D has referred many of her own patients and will help us reach more eligible children. She will be a great asset to our council and we look forward to working with her. Please help us welcome Dr. D!
If you would like to learn more about our Chapter Medical Advisory Council or would be interested in joining, please email Patty Abreu at [email protected]
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Re-Emergence Travel Policy Updates (as of September 15, 2021):
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Make-A-Wish will resume the granting of domestic travel wishes involving air, train or bus travel and/or wishes involving large gatherings (including theme parks) for children and families who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- We understand that this change affects families whose children aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet. We also know that there are families who aren’t ready to get the vaccine. This decision was made in keeping with our long-standing policy to rely on medical professionals to ensure that the wishes we grant are considered safe and appropriate given that wish kids are some of the most vulnerable among us.
- Families will be asked to sign a Letter of Understanding attesting to the vaccination status of all wish participants.
- Families who are unvaccinated may opt to hold for another year or choose an alternative wish.
Travel by car, as long as the destination does not involve a large gathering, as well as a wide variety of wishes that can be granted locally, remain viable wish options for unvaccinated families.
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Finker-Frenkel Wish House Groundbreaking
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On October 6th, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida officially broke ground on our new 30,000 square foot Finker-Frenkel Wish House in Miami. The chapter headquarters will be located at 343 NW 6th Street and rise five stories, inclusive of emerging technology, to provide children with an inspirational, fun and safe destination to determine wishes, as well as 15,000 square feet of event and office space.
The Finker-Frenkel Wish House will transform a child’s journey throughout the entire experience. From the entrance, through the hall of possibilities and imagination, to an invitation to play the wishing game, the Wish House allows them to celebrate the power of their wish, and will symbolize hope, strength and joy as the organization’s permanent residence. These children, their families, volunteers and donors will finally have a common home to share and will bring about opportunities for elevated philanthropic strides.
We look forward to welcoming you and your wish families to our new home in 2023.
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Walk For Wishes 2022 Broward |
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Get ready for the 13th Annual Walk For Wishes 5K Walk/Run at Markham Park on Saturday, February 5, 2022! Join in the fun by participating as an individual or creating a team with friends, family and colleagues. 100% of net proceeds will go toward granting wishes for children with critical illnesses in our local community.
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Since 2008, Macy's and Make-A-Wish have teamed up to bring hope and joy with this letter-writing campaign. Now more than ever, as COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, hope is essential for waiting wish kids who are isolated and vulnerable. With Macy's support, Make-A-Wish is committed to ensuring that no child waits even one unnecessary day to experience how a wish can encourage the belief in the impossible.
For every letter you send online or drop in a big red letterbox in store, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to create life-changing wishes for children all across the country. Use THIS LINK when writing a letter online so that our local chapter receives the donation from Macy’s!
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Check out these activities to do in school or at home so all young people are empowered to be a part of Macy's Believe campaign supporting Make-A-Wish. |
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Noah is an independent 9-year-old who doesn’t let his neuromuscular disorder hold him back! His wish to have an all-terrain wheelchair is just what he needs. The custom-built ride is Noah’s favorite color, orange, and has oversize wheels that can climb hills and power through dirt and sand.
Noah and his family recently moved from Chicago because the harsh winters made it impossible for him to be outside. Now in the Florida climate with Noah’s extreme ride, there are endless adventures in the future – camping, fishing, and exploring the beach and nature trails. His dad said, now “Noah can literally go anywhere.”
“His wish gives him the accessibility and the independence that he deserves. A lot of the kids are able to do the things that he can’t do. This gives him the opportunity to do those things and be a part of the group with everybody else,” his dad said.
Noah’s wish marks an important milestone for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, as our chapter is only the 5th in the world to grant 13,000 wishes!
Wish Granter: Lisa Andrews
Referred by Ms. Anna Goldberger, his social worker
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Referral Resources
Please visit md.wish.org, our page dedicated to medical professionals for more information, including the specialty reference guides and more on our response to Covid-19.
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Your Medical Outreach Coordinator
Patty Abreu is here to assist you with any questions or needs you may have about referring a wish. Please contact her at any time at [email protected] or 954-967-9474 ext. 324.
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