AUBURN — Make-A-Wish Maine will host its 13th annual Walk For Wishes at seven locations across Maine, including Auburn, on Thursday, May 16. The walk will start at the Festival Plaza.
Registration and entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. and the walk will begin at 6. Walkers will be able to have food and beverages before and after the walk.
Other Walk For Wishes around the state include Rockland, Portland, Saco, Dennysville, Bangor and Augusta.
More than 1100 children with life-threatening illnesses in Maine have received their greatest wish since the chapter opened its doors more than 20 years ago.
All wish children face a life-threatening medical condition, like 7-year-old Emersyn of Lewiston who is fighting Ataxia-Telangiectasia, a rare genetic disease that attacks children, causing progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems and a high rate of cancer. Emersyn and her family went to San Diego for Emersyn’s wish to see butterflies and beaches.
As part of her wish experience, the family visited the San Diego Zoo where she had a VIP tour, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World San Diego and the Monarch Program, a research, conservation and educational program, which has a butterfly vivarium and greenhouse.
On average, a wish is granted to a Maine child every five days. This is a critical fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Maine and all money raised in Maine stays in Maine to help local children.
Adults who raise at least $100 and youths under 18 who raise at least $50 will receive a free Walk For Wishes T-shirt. Anyone who raises $1,000 or more will get a moisture-wicking athletic Make-A-Wish hat.
To register visit www.maine.wish.org or call 800-491-3171.
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- Wish child Emersyn Rowles, right, 7, and brother Grady, 3, of Lewiston went to California with their family for Emersyn’s wish to see butterflies and beaches thanks to Make-A-Wish Maine and its generous donors. Community members are invited help grant future wishes by participating in Auburn’s Walk For Wishes event on May 16.
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