Anyone who knows me knows how hard it is for me to give up precious moments with my kids. 

Tonight, I sacrificed our nighttime story and tuck-in ritual for a cause that means an awful lot to me.

Simply put, when Make-a-Wish asks, I do whatever I can to help.

Tonight, they asked me to be a guest at their “Evening with the Stars” fundraiser, hosted by Dallas Clark.  Being so new in town, I’m shocked to be considered a “star” enough to warrant an invite, but Todd and I gladly accepted.

I know most people recognize this is a well-run charity with an important purpose, but I never really understood it until I was personally touched by the organization.

As a reporter in Champaign, I did a series of pieces over several years, following a family whose triplets had special needs.  One of the girls, Tanner, had life-threatening complications, and Make-A-Wish got involved. 

     A photographer and I followed the family on their dream-vacation to Disney World.  This wasn’t just a trip - it was a miracle for a family facing unbelievable challenges.  An escape like they’d never had before.  From the assistants the family needed just to get around, to the wheelchair-accessible van, to the gorgeous accomodations, the limos, etc., every tiny detail was meticulously planned to make this trip filled with joy, not stress.  Seeing those little faces light up, and the parents shed tears of joy for their kids, was absolutely life-changing.

    Even more recently, our little niece, Katie, was granted a similar Wish trip after battling leukemia.  My brother and sister-in-law were also in awe of how beautifully the trip went, and how much it meant to their family to be treated like royalty. I am very happy to say she is in remission and doing great today.

As the young lady I interviewed tonight pointed out, even when you’re going through a terrible time, it’s important to remember that “good things can happen.”  With this organization in charge, incredible things can happen, and do.

I’m glad tonight to have been one tiny part of making these miracles happen.

I wish you all a wonderful week!

TS