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September 2018
September is Childhood
Cancer Awareness Month
Wish kid Shane loves sports and plays lacrosse with a passion, always wearing number 18 on his back. Shane is also living with cancer. Diagnosed in January 2016, Shane has fought through 55 rounds of chemo, 33 rounds of radiation, 10 surgeries and a stem cell transplant, and was temporarily sidelined from the sport he loves so much. When given the opportunity for a wish, Shane didn’t hesitate: he wished to go to the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships.

Many of our wish kids are living with cancer and, like Shane, many of them find themselves unable to participate in the activities they love. This is why wishes are so important—they offer a beacon of hope that lets kids and their families imagine life without medical procedures, chemotherapy or radiation.

Shane and his family say they were completely overwhelmed by the wish experience, which surpassed all their expectations. “The whole trip was just amazing. It was a dream come true.” This September we encourage parents and medical professionals to refer a child fighting cancer for a life-changing wish.
From September 24 to October 13, Southgate Centre is inviting guests to light up a lantern and dedicate a wish at their Let It Glow lantern festival. Each lantern—available by donation—will be hung at Centre Court, creating an illuminating glow of goodwill. There will also be cultural performances, crafts and music onsite. All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta. Be sure to check it out!
You can create a Make-A-Wish fundraiser too!
Donor events—like Let It Glow—are an incredible way for supporters to raise money for Make-A-Wish. You choose the event and organize it; a book sale, silent auction, jewellery party, fun run... the options are endless. We'll promote your event and support you along the way. When you're done, donate your proceeds to Make-A-Wish, and know you helped make a difference in the life of a local child living with a critical illness.
Wishful Baking Week: October 1-5, 2018
Wishful Baking Week combines two magical things: sweet treats and granting wishes. Plan a bake sale sometime during October 1-5, 2018, and donate the funds you raise to Make-A-Wish. It's a piece of cake!

AND we have a toolkit you can use at your Wishful Baking Week event! Labels, tent cards, cupcake wrappers, star toppers, posters... all you need are the treats!
Award-Winning Volunteers
We were thrilled when our Medical Outreach Committee received the Staff Choice Award at the 2018 Laurel Awards on September 12. Made up of six dedicated volunteers, this committee makes regular outreach efforts, finding innovative ways to reach families and the medical community to ensure eligible kids are referred for a wish. Through their work they engage with and educate health professionals to become advocates for Make-A-Wish.

Volunteers are an integral part of Make-A-Wish—we could not make wishes happen without them! Consider joining this caring community of people that create life-changing moments. Your time can help transform the life of a child with a critical illness.