Six children suffering from some life-threatening diseases saw their wishes granted at an event organized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation Pakistan in collaboration with USAID on Wednesday.
The residence of the US consul-general witnessed an unusual sight as a horse-carriage drove to its entrance, carrying an 11-year-old Iqra Gulzar who had wished to be a princess for a day. Iqra, who suffers from a heart disease, was dressed in a sparkling white gown.
Other children who saw their dreams come true were Shameen Mobeen, who was awarded a sewing machine, Hunaid Nadeem, who got a bicycle, and a five-year-old girl, Wania Moin, who received a Barbie and a dollhouse.
Two brothers, Mohammad Anas and Shehroz, met their favorite celebrities, singer Shehzad Roy and a morning show host, Shaista Wahidi.
The US Consul-General, William Martin, called these children role models as they stood up to adversity.
“We are as motivated by these children as their courage is an inspiration to all.”
He said that the US government felt proud to be partnering such an event and had provided aid to the organization for making the wishes of 55 children come true.
“Nothing transcends borders more than the love of children, no matter how different language, culture they belong to.”
President of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Pakistan, Ishtiaq Baig, said that the Make-A-Wish Foundation Pakistan was an affiliate member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation International, which was the biggest wish-granting organization in the world.
He said that in Pakistan, hundreds of wishes of terminally ill children had been granted.
Amongst them were some very unique wishes, such as of a boy who became a soldier for a day and was even given training by the Army. Similarly, children wishing to become pilots had been entertained.
The children were then granted their respective wishes. Shehzad Roy sang Kangna with his beaming fan, Anas, who wore a t-shirt with the singer’s picture.
“I love his songs and have been listening to them since I was very young. Also I liked him as he is educating children,” said the 16-year-old, who suffers from Thalasemmia.
Iqra, who was the princess, said that she was very happy as she got a chance to sit in a carriage. “I am inspired by Princess Diana which is why I wanted to be like her for a day. I got this new dress,” she smiled.
Eleven-year-old Hunaid seemed content with his black bicycle and said that finally his wish had come true. “All my friends have a bicycle and I wanted one for a long time.”
Shameen, who has been diagnosed with a degenerative heart disease, plans to sew clothes for herself and her family after receiving the sewing machine.
Also present was the thirteen-year-old Aqif, who had on previous occasions seen his dream of becoming famous come true.
“I have met Shahid Afridi and have been interviewed by television channels,” he chuckled.
The outgoing Information Officer, Andie De Arment, surprised him by presenting 100 comments of those who had remarked on his picture posted on the US Consulate page on Facebook, saying that he had really become famous as his picture was the most popular one on the page.
Comments
Post a Comment