We Are Children's Wish Foundation International. And we measure
our success in smiles.
Many
people are surprised to learn that our founder and Executive Director
was one of the few who pioneered the idea of wish fulfillment
for seriously and terminally ill children. After losing her eldest
daughter, Susan, to bone cancer, Linda Dozoretz became an active
fundraiser, supporting causes that searched for a cure for cancer.
For her efforts, she was awarded a trip to Disneyland, which she
donated to a little girl from Susan's hospital who was also losing
her battle with cancer.
"I saw that if I could do this for one child," she says
today , "I could possibly do it for many". Wishes for
more children followed and her community showed support by becoming
actively involved in her efforts. With a determination to bring
happiness to seriously ill children around the world, several
years after that first wish Linda formed Children's Wish Foundation
International and continues to serve as the organization's Executive
Director.
Since our inception, Children's Wish Foundation has continued
to evolve with our programs expanding over the years to enhance
these special children's lives in other ways, also. Recognizing
our families' needs outside of the scope of wish fulfillment,
we stepped up our commitment to the children by developing hospital
enrichment programs which place educational and entertainment
materials in children's hospitals throughout the world. To keep
costs to a minimum, we operate with the efforts of a small staff
and only one U.S. office, relying on a network of volunteers to
act as our "hands and feet" in communities around the
world.
Children's Wish Foundation International is committed to bringing
joy and happiness to seriously ill children throughout the world
and this dedication has created special experiences for children
around the globe. To date, Children's Wish Foundation International
has touched the lives of children in 32 countries, providing a
lifetime of memories for them and their family.
