Make a wish foundation has warmed the cockles of my heart for at least a decade, and I contribute automatically to it every month! I know it is one of the best nonprofit organizations, doing good always!
Disclosure: Aidan was my wife's grandson. That said, Aidan was and is the guiding force behind Angels-In-Disguise-Are-Always-Near (AIDAAN). I knew Aidan, I knew his love of music and I know that this foundation is a true expression of his generous spirit. Kelly Porter and Hallie Immroth are dedicated to maintaining that spirit and sending it to children enduring extended hospital stays to say nothing of children dealing with their introduction to impending death. Aidan faced his lack of future calmly and bravely. He did what he could to make a difference in the lives of those he left behind. I thank God for the privilege of knowing Aidan and being able to support his spirit through AIDAAN.
AIDAAN.org is an amazing labor of love that reaches out to so many children that need their spirts, hearts, and hope lifted! It was started by two beautiful people that uplift others on a daily basis through every aspect of their lives. Their hearts are much larger than any growth their non-profit could ever hope to achieve. What a beautiful thing to do for children who need a gift of love and so powerful as music reaches to the core of our soul. Medicine more powerful than any hospital could provide.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Aidan and being involved with his organization the last few years. I’ve helped make iPods and been present for the delivery of an iPod to one of the many children this organization has touched in the last few years! Watching a child’s face light up by this unexpected surprise is amazing. Many of the kids have been in the hospital for weeks or months and their families don’t have the money to buy them an iPod. It’s a great distraction from all the medical terms and jargon to just be able to put headphones on and tune out the world. I hope you can help this organization with a donation, volunteering time or in a new way we may not be aware of yet. Travis
the mission of this organization is so simple, to ease the mind of a child faced with an extended hospital stay. the breadth of this work and impact to these children is phenomenal. iPods and iPads provide children a tool to help alleviate stress, anxiety, discomfort... the capabilities of this technology is astounding, not only can music/movies provide children with entertainment and possibly a distraction from the illness they are facing, but the various applications provide educational and creative exploration opportunities so the child continues to grow and develop while stuck in the hospital. the scope of what this technology can provide is nothing short of miraculous. we just have to get the technology to the child, and that's what AIDAAN.org does.
When I have presented children their personalized ipods from AIDAAN.org, their hearts were filled with joy and their faces beamed. After experiencing the pain and agony of extended hospital stays, Aidan's wish was to assist other children who were experiencing extended hospitalization. Aidan's story has been presented at International Children's Lukemia Conferences. He has become an ambassador for children in need throughout the world. Aidan was a blessing to his family and to his frieinds. Through AIDAAN.org his legancy continues as he comforts children in their time of need.
This organization was started by a very special, sweet boy who wanted to help young cancer patients by distracting them from chemo, etc. with IPods & songs. Many organizations raise $$ for research, which is needed, but this is a very personal, real help for patients who need something special NOW. Families who are spending $$ on medical treatment with maybe reduced capacity to work + additional costs like parking may not have the means to buy a "luxury" such as an IPod; they may not even think of it. However, Aidan, who was there in their shoes many, many times, did think of it & was selfless enough to want to share with others. This is a wonderful organization, reflective of a very wonderful family, the Immroths, & worthy of your support.
It is amazing how a simple piece of technology can bring so much joy to a young patient’s life. Our family is a proud supporter of AIDAAN.org because of the simplicity of the foundation - distraction from their illness. We love seeing pictures of new recipients and the smiles on their faces showing off their new IPod.
It has been a pleasure to work with AIDAAN.org! We have made a difference for kids facing extended hospital stays by giving the gift of music and entertainment through Ipods. The Ipods make it much easier to bear the stress and isolation kids face in the hospital. I am proud to be a part of this non-profit as it begins its third year.