BLOG : One Wish Granted: a First-Hand Account

…. and how you can help grant more wishes.

Every year, Concepts asks the parents & guardians of the kids in our program to send us a wish for something that would improve their child’s life. Something that would enhance their freedom and independence… something they couldn’t otherwise attain. Each wish is expressed in an essay written by the parent explaining how exactly how the item would help their child. A committee of Concepts Board members, Consumers and staff carefully reviews each essay, and awards as many children with a wish as possible. How many wishes we grant all depends on the donations that come in to cover the program.

One parent recently expressed what the experience of getting a wish granted was like:

One day, I received a letter in the mail from Concepts asking if I would like to write an essay to ask for an item that would better my son’s life. At first I pushed it aside with the pile of mail, thinking it could never happen. Then one day that letter caught my eye again. I looked at it and thought: it’s worth a shot! My son is worth the time to compose an essay. And so I did just that, sent it immediately in the mail off the Concepts. Not long after, and very much to my surprise, I received a letter inviting Jack and I to the Concepts Gala to be awarded an iPad. I was shocked. And overjoyed.

Jack and I were both thrilled to be going to such a big event to receive this outstanding gift. We got dressed up: a sports coat and tie for him and a dress for me. He looked so handsome! I was overwhelmed with excitement about what he was soon to receive. Jack often has a bit of stage fright… but when his name was called, he went right up to the stage, shook hands, and received his very own iPad. There could not be a better gift that he has received in his life time. He uses his iPad daily. He has learned to totally operate it on his own. He uses it with his music therapist, he uses it for educational games, and to communicate. He loved the whole experience, and regularly mentions how happy he is that he has his own iPad.

We are truly blessed. To all the donors and potential donors out there you can't imagine how you can change a life.  I know you have changed ours and we are so grateful.

Help change a child’s life this year. Help to foster independence, dignity and freedom for those kids with disabilities. Learn how you can donate to the Concepts Special Wishes program. And thank you, from all of us here at Concepts.