Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand to bring hope, strength and joy to Thai children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand is gearing up to begin its operation in Thailand after completing all the standards and requirements set by Make-A-Wish? International, the non-profit organization with a mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish? Foundation International is a well-renowned charitable organization with presence in 36 countries around the world. The Thai affiliate yesterday announced the granting of their first wish to a 7 year old girl suffering from Neuroblastoma. Her wish is to live in a Barbie World for one day. Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand will grant her wish next month in Bangkok. After four years of building the infrastructure and completing all the requirements, Mr. William Kuipers, President of Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand finally got the official approval from Make-A-Wish? Foundation International in January 2010. Originally from the Netherlands, William Kuipers has been living and working in Thailand for ten years and was motivated to give something back to the Land of Smiles, and in particular to children who need some happiness in their lives. “We are very excited to have the foundation set up in Thailand and eclipse illness by bringing happiness and joy to many Thai children. Our goal is to fulfill 25 wishes in 2011,” according to William Kuipers. Mr. Sunthorn Arunanondchai and his wife Mrs. Araya Arunanondchai who both lend their support to charitable organizations in Thailand, are among the Founders who give support to the mission and success of Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand. ‘Nothing is more meaningful than to make children happy by fulfilling to the wish they most desire” says Mrs. Arunanondcha. Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand wants to become one of the most respected foundations in Thailand with help of sponsors, volunteers, and medical communities. The operating board and committees will include both Thai and foreign nationals who play active roles at all the levels within the business and privates sectors. Dr. Siraporn Sawasdivorn, Founder of Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand and Director of Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, says: “The number of patients in Thailand is currently sizable. The number of child patients seeking medical treatment at the Children’s Hospital totaled around 350,000 every year, including 15,000 in-patients. Among those admitted, 30% were in life-threatening condition. Wishes to be granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation? Thailand can be an emotional remedy that helps boost the spirits of children living with a life-threatening comdition, giving them the will to keep fighting their illnesses.” Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand works via a ripple effect model. It usually starts with the child who has a wish and the parents know about it. The parents discuss with the medical specialist or the medical specialist attends the child and parents. Once the child is referred to Make-A-Wish? Foundation, the wish is discussed in the operating board, and if it is approved, a wish granting committee will visit the parents and child to meet and evaluate the wish. Doubts related to the wish granting for a child will be discussed in the advisory board, involving the child’s doctor and a medical second opinion. If everything is approved, the wish will be granted. Make-A-Wish? Foundation International has granted over 250,000 wishes worldwide helping to bring hope, strength and joy and magical wishes to children in need. World-wide celebrities such as Michael Jordan, Mariah Carey, Will Smith and Jacky Chan are some of the well-known ambassadors in other markets. “Make-A-Wish? Foundation Thailand proudly presents TV personality Woody Wuttitorn Milintajinda and singer Tata Young as their ambassadors. “I remember the Make-A-Wish? Foundation since the time I was a kid in the States. I always wished I could be part of Make-A-Wish? Foundation in some shape or form. Then being in Thailand right now feels like my wish is granted and I very much look forward to become their ambassador in Thailand” said Woody. “I am very honored to be a brand ambassador for the Make-A-Wish? Foundation in Thailand. To carry out the mission and support children with serious illnesses to let their wish come true, is a wish on itself. I would encourage all of you, children, not to give up although I realize that it's not that easy. Keep fighting and believing. Count on me as one of your friends who will help you to realize your dream. Support the mission of the Make-A-Wish? Foundation. With your donation we bring hope, joy and strength to children who are serious ill by granting their wishes", said Tata Young.

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