Fundraising taken to new heights with Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas
AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is taking wish granting to new heights with their 9th annual ‘Over the Edge’ fundraiser.
According to the organization, more than 550 children in central and south Texas are diagnosed with a critical illness each year.
Like most four-year-olds, Lilly Rose Jorgenson likes dogs, balloons, and spending time with her older sister. You would have never guessed that this vibrant girl was once diagnosed with leukemia when she was only five-and-a-half months old.
“I wish no one would have to go through. It’s really tough the two years after that just in and out of hospitals,” said Mark Jorgenson.
A little over two years ago, the Jorgenson family was referred to the Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas foundation. Through the nonprofit Lilly Rose’s wish to visit the happiest place on earth was granted.
Organizers with Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas say they’re doing what they can to ensure children just like Lilly Rose who face critical illnesses have a chance to have their wishes granted.
“The people that rappel will tell you it’s really nothing compared to what these kids go through on a daily basis,” said Jill Skinner with Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. "So we have a lot of wish families here and wish kids cheering them on telling them how brave they are."
This year 200 people raised a minimum of $1,500 and were given the opportunity to rappel down the side of a building on South Congress.
Amanda Whiting put all her fears aside.
“It kind of brings everything full circle from Lilly’s diagnosis to getting out of treatment to her wish trip to now granting wishes for other kids,” said Whiting.
Organizers say this year's goal was to raise $600,000. All the money raised will go toward granting life-changing wishes for more than 100 local children with critical illnesses, which is something organizers say will give kids and their families the strength they need to fight harder.
“I feel like a lottery winner because I’m grateful everyday she’s for sure my north star,” said Jorgenson.
Today, Lilly Rose is in good health, and thanks to Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas she will always remember the happiest place on earth.