For 10-year-old Chad, of Vancouver, having an escape from the seriousness of multiple open-heart surgeries was more than just a wish, it became a dream come true.  A fan of the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Chad wanted a place of his own, where he could hang out and have sleepovers with his friends. 

In late October, Chad’s wish came true.  A 10-by-12 foot log cabin, complete with a loft, was more than Chad had expected.  Custom built by Woodwinds Log Homes, the log cabin is a place just for him and his friends, adorned with a sign that reads “Chad’s Place.”

“I fight the cold weather just to go out there,” says Chad with excitement.  “I like doing my homework out there, and really want some Christmas lights on the outside.”

Now that Chad has had some time to “settle in,” his Christmas list this year includes items for his new cabin, including stuff for his new bullfrog which lives in an aquarium in the cabin.

“It is becoming his home,” says Chad’s mom Tina.  “He even has a Christmas tree, decorations, and is begging us to put lights up on the outside.”

At times Chad could not wait for the cabin to be finished, even starting to play in it before it was completed.  During the building process, Chad also had the opportunity to attend the Ross Coleman Professional Bull Riding Invitational in Molalla (a benefit for Make-A-Wish), receiving an autographed poster that now hangs in his cabin.

“Chad was ecstatic due to the fact that the Foundation could provide him with a place he could share with friends, something that could be his ‘own place’ for years to come,” says Geneice, one of Chad’s volunteer wish granters.  “It was a remarkable job.”

Make-A-Wish® Radiothon Dials In Success For Central Oregon

Local wish children, their families, and volunteers shared their stories on Central Oregon radio stations Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, helping to raise $37,530.96 and 266,445 airline miles for wishes.  The 6th annual Make-A-Wish Radiothon took over the airwaves of 104.1 The Peak, 105.7 KQAK and Lite 95.1 as local businesses and individuals pledged donations during the two-day event.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Central Oregon community,” says Andrew Asato, Executive Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon.  “With the help of businesses and individuals, we were able surpass this year’s goal and will be able to make a big impact on the upcoming wishes of local kids.”

The two-day event was hosted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon and Horizon Broadcasting Group, who partnered six years ago to create a local fundraiser that would impact the wishes of children in Central Oregon.

In the last two years, 12 wishes have been granted to children in the area, and this year’s Radiothon will assist eight wishes in the region that are already in the works.  Currently planned wishes include four trips to a Disney Theme Park for Redmond, Bend, and La Pine kids.

Holiday Magic

Each year, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® coordinates Holiday Magic for patients at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital to shop for family members while receiving treatment. 

Since some children were unable to go shopping for their families outside of the hospital this holiday season, Make-A-Wish® volunteers brought the “mall” to them on December 12 at Doernbecher and December 15 at Emanuel.  The holiday celebration and shopping experience also gave the children a chance to meet and get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while their gifts for family members were wrapped.  Each child also received a stocking of their own, filled with gifts specially selected for them.

Holiday Magic was sponsored by Security Traders of Portland, with the help of employees from IBM, Credence and Smith Freed & Eberhard, and assistance from Wilsonville Target, Bales Market Place Thriftway and Dragonfly Greetings and Gifts.