The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine will host its 5th annual Walk For Wishes on Thursday, May 25, at Payson Park in Portland. Registration and entertainment will begin at 5 p.m., and the walk will begin at 6 p.m.
More than 150 children in Cumberland County alone have received, or are in the process of receiving, their greatest wish. Fifteen children in Cumberland County are currently in the process of having their wishes granted.
For example, 10-year-old Peter, of Portland, traveled to Universal Studios in Hollywood last year, and 9-year-old Abbey, of Falmouth, traveled to Alaska “to eat fish with Eskimo children.” This year, 6-year-old Thomas, of Falmouth, swam with dolphins in the Bahamas, and 18-year-old Alle, of Cape Elizabeth, explored Barcelona.
All Walk For Wishes participants will play a part in creating magic for more Cumberland County children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. Last year’s Walk For Wishes in Portland raised more than $25,000 – enough to grant five wishes.
Prizes will be awarded to individuals and teams who collect more than $200 in pledges. Adults who raise at least $100, and youths under 18 who raise at least $50, will receive a free “Walk For Wishes” T-shirt.
All walkers will receive a “share the power of a wish” wristband. Sponsors for the walk are Spectrum Medical Group, Saco-Biddeford Savings, Hammond Lumber, Gardiner Savings, Target, NAPA, and Ariel Creative.
Anyone who would like to register for the walk should call 866-704-9255 or go online to www.maine.wish.org. All participants, whether walking individually or on a team, can register online, and collect their pledges online.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine has granted more than 650 wishes since its founding in 1992. The foundation expects to grant the greatest wish of 80 seriously ill Maine children in 2006 alone, which is an average of one wish every five days.
The average cost of a wish is $5,000. Each participant in the Walk For Wishes will ensure that future wishes will continue to bring hope, strength, and joy to every child in Maine who is battling a life-threatening illness.
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