[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the Make-A-Wish Foundation 
of Northeast, Central and Southern Ohio, an organization which succeeds 
in bringing hope to children who face the adversity of fatal illnesses.
  The Foundation is a charity which grants the very special wishes of 
children, between the ages of 2\1/2\ and 18, who have been diagnosed 
with life-threatening illnesses. Any child that has been diagnosed 
appropriately by their doctor qualifies for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 
Following this, a team of Make-A-Wish volunteers visits the child and 
family to determine his or her wish. The organizations then works in 
conjunction with local contacts and businesses to transform the child's 
wish from fantasy into reality.
  The Make-A-Wish Foundation offers children an opportunity to see 
their dreams come true. It recognizes the vital importance of hope to 
all human life. It seeks to extend a helping hand to all children in 
need. The Foundation granted the individual wishes of nearly 200 
children in the fiscal year 1998. Each wish is limited only by the 
child's imagination. The organization helps all children irrespective 
of their families' financial need or status. It covers all expenses 
associated with a wish, including airfare and accommodation. It 
provides a ray of light for children in dark times.
  I would also like to commend the tireless dedication of Rose 
Serraglio to the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In her capacity as 
chairwoman and organizer of the Foundation's Halloween Benefit, she has 
demonstrated the highest order of caring for children whose world has 
been shattered by the traumatic effect of fatal illnesses.
  My fellow colleagues, please rise with me in honoring the valuable 
contribution of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to the lives of children 
afflicted by the serious illnesses. It is an example to us all of the 
importance of helping the less fortunate members of our community.

                          ____________________