November 2008 Spotlight - Grants Wishes

Name:
Grants Wishes Inc.

We GRANT WISHES to kids when they most need it, when cancer comes back.

How Grants Wishes got started:
GRANTS WISHES was formed shortly after the passing of her son Grant (pictured, right), when Lori Sullivan was approached by a Physician at CHOC asking if she could help a child recently diagnosed with a relapse of cancer by granting him a second wish of a big TV for Christmas. Knowing the battle the boy was facing, Lori agreed to help, using funds from a private memorial trust created in her sons name, hoping to bring a smile to the child’s face and help bring him the strength and courage he would need to face his second battle with cancer.

After further discussions with the CHOC physicians and staff, the need for a long term program of this type was realized and the Sullivan family felt compelled to create an organization to support other children facing a second battle with cancer. The Sullivan family envisioned a group focusing solely on children with cancer that has recurred, or is in the long term or palliative treatment stage. With the help of Gary Anderson and Dan Wixted, the Sullivan's vision developed into GRANTS WISHES. On July 26th, 2005 they received their 501©(3)non-profit status.

Who introduced you to DOM?
Doris Trachtman

What do you do?
The children that receive a wish from GRANTS WISHES are fighting a SECOND battle with cancer or undergoing long term treatments. They must have received a wish already from another organization when they were originally diagnosed with cancer, but this often happens very quickly into a child's illness. GRANTS WISHES was brought about to address the times when cancer has relapsed (sometimes years after their first diagnosis) or when treatment is ongoing long term. These children face special challenges and often desperately need the mental and emotional “boost” that a second wish can provide. Difficult and painful treatments and long term care takes a toll on a child's emotional state and sometimes receiving a wish is just what it takes to get them through an especially rough time.

Where do you work?
We currently work with Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH), Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego and U.C. Davis Children's Hospital in Sacramento. Covers areas from Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Sacramento Area

How can people get in touch with you about your work?
Website: http://www.grantswishes.org
Email: loris@grantswishes.org
Phone: (714)998-6039
Address: 2034 E. Lincoln Ave. #159, Anaheim, CA 92806

What do you get out of DOM?
The opportunity to get our name and mission out into the community.

How can others help your organization:
Please visit our website for ways you can help Grants Wishes. View past Spotlights