News & Events

UnitedHealthcare Grants Stefani’s Wish

UnitedHealthcare sponsored the wish of  Stefani, a 3 year-old from Nesconet, as part of a renewed three- year $3 million alliance with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America.

Since 2007, UnitedHealthcare has supported the Suffolk County Chapter of Make-A-Wish by sponsoring the wishes of 7 local children.

On Thursday, March 17^th, at 10:30AM, employees of UnitedHealthcare visited the Ronkonkoma office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County to celebrate Stefani’s wish to go to Disney with a special send off party that included a basket courtesy of UnitedHealthcare filled with Stefani’s favorite things. (most of all her favorite chapsticks!) To Stefani’s surprise, a special princess crown was presented by the magical princess herself, Cinderella!

Karine Hollander, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc said, “ This national partnership with UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest in the Foundation’s history.”

Each of the Foundation’s 64 chapters are eligible to receive wish-granting funds through the program allowing chapters to grant wishes in their communities. Since 2007, UnitedHealth group has funded more than 600 wishes to children with life-threating medical conditions nationally.

“We are happy to see that UnitedHealthcare’s renewed national alliance with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is able to provide Stefani with her wish,” said Jeff Alter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual and Board Member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. “As a health and well-being company, we work every day to make a difference in our communities, and we are honored to be a part of this wish.”

UnitedHealthcare Grants Makayla’s Wish

When four year old Makayla from Mastic was given the chance to wish for anything in the world, she asked to go to Disney because she loves the princesses! Makayla was diagnosed with Liver cancer which resulted in her having a transplant. Her trip was planned many times but because of her treatments they had to cancel.

On January 9^th 2011, Makayla, her mom Ann Marie, her sister Ariana, and their Aunt finally got to go on the much awaited vacation. Makayla was very excited but also a little nervous. This would be her first experience on an airplane.

The Employees at UnitedHealthcare created such a beautiful send off basket with all Makayla’s favorite items. When the wish grantor made the final visit to the family with the itinerary for their trip, they were very surprised with the beautiful basket. UnitedHealthcare has been a steadfast supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County enriching the lives of children like Makayla.

One of Makayla’s favorite things at the Magic Kingdom was her visit to “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique” where she got to be made up like Ariel, her favorite princess. They were all so excited about all the activities at Give Kids the World, where Makayla especially loved the Princess and Pirates parties.

With the continued support of UnitedHealthcare, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® can continue to make dreams come true for seriously ill children like Makayla.

Jewelers for Children Grants a Wish

When seventeen-year-old Jisong from Hauppauge was given the chance to wish for anything in the world, she requested a vacation for herself and her family – an opportunity to spend quality time together. Since Jisong was diagnosed with CML, a form of leukemia, quality time was not always easy to find. She chose Disney World as the setting for her dream vacation. And the dream would only get better!

Kay Cameron Jewelers of Sayville is actively involved in Jewelers for Children, a charity devoted to supporting children’s organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation^®. Kay Cameron held a special send-off party at her store for Jisong and her family before they embarked on their Disney trip. When Jisong saw all the blue balloons that decorated the interior of Kay’s store, she did not believe the celebration was all for her! She received many wonderful gifts, including a delicious batch of cookies and a beautiful Pandora charm bracelet, complete with blue beads (her favorite color).

With the hard work of the staff and volunteers at Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc., Jisong, her parents, sisters, and brother headed to Orlando, Florida, on May 24^th,where even more excitement awaited them. Since they had some time to spare before check-in at Give Kids the World, they picked up their rental car and drove to Daytona Beach. While there, Jisong decided to try her hand at parasailing. Every one of her family members got a turn to fly 1500 feet up in the air for a phenomenal view of the ocean and shoreline! After a fun-filled morning, they returned to the Kissimmee area to start their seven-day Disney adventure.

The friendliness of the staff and the variety of amenities at Give Kids the World truly impressed Jisong: “It was like a fantasy land! You could even have ice cream any time you wanted!” The Disney parks were also a thrill for Jisong and her family. One of her favorite rides was Spaceship Earth, which takes the rider inside the giant Epcot globe for a journey through time, from prehistoric to modern-day. Another highlight was testing out one of the newer rides at Hollywood Studios called Toy Story Mania, an interactive attraction that features 3D technology. In addition to the Disney parks, Jisong enjoyed visits to Sea World and Universal Studios, where she was given special passes that allowed her to skip waiting in line for rides.

Jisong and her family returned home with incredible memories to share and to cherish. As Cinderella once said, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Jisong’s dream vacation turned into a wish come true. And then some!

Macy’s 2009 Thanks for Sharing & “Believe” Campaign Results

Macy’s will donate $9.25 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® from its holiday cause programs – Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America will receive $8.25 million from the 2009 Thanks for Sharing program and $1 million from the Believe campaign. We are thrilled and want to thank everyone who supported these campaigns in our communities.

We especially thank schools such as Tecumseh School in Farmingville, (shown above), who took on the Believe Campaign with full force, having students write letters as part of a writing lesson while submitting many letters to Santa.

United Healthcare Helps Nicole Sleep Safer!

Seven-year-old Nicole from Patchogue is challenged with encephalitis, which has resulted in multiple medical conditions and physical limitations. Nicole’s family, which includes nine other adopted brothers and sisters who all have life-threatening medical conditions, reside in a truly caring environment, where each child’s specific needs are met with the utmost attention. When Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County was contacted to grant a wish for Nicole, the wish-granting volunteers knew they were in the presence of an exceptional family. Since Nicole is unable to verbalize her wish, her adoptive parents, Barbara and Bob, came up with an idea that would help ease the strains of daily life in the household.

As Nicole involuntarily shifts positions in her sleep, they wanted a bed that would be safe and sturdy enough to keep her from falling or getting trapped inside. In addition, the bed would be a comfortable place to tend to Nicole’s medical needs. The Suffolk County staff and volunteers did some research and found a perfect fit – a SleepSafe Bed. The SleepSafe Bed successfully accommodates Nicole’s requirements. It has safety rails on both sides that can slide up and down, or can be removed, for quick and easy accessibility. The mattress is made of memory foam to ensure all-day comfort, support, and relief. Additionally, it is anti-bacterial, fluid-resistant, and tightly fitted within the bed frame to prevent burrowing and entrapment. The bed is also full-size, leaving ample room for Nicole as she grows. The SleepSafe Bed‘s wooden frame gives it a stylish look, creating the appearance of a regular bed and not a hospital bed. This is not only beneficial, but also essential in the care-giving process.

Nicole’s bed was delivered last October and her family could not be happier with the results. Her parents now feel that she is more secure as she sleeps, which has helped Barbara and Bob sleep better at night as well. The bed has provided a soothing, calming place for Nicole, and a safe environment that she and her parents can rely on for years to come. Nicole’s special gift would not have been possible without the generous contribution of United Healthcare, which funded the entire wish. United Healthcare has been a steadfast supporter of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County and has, in turn, enriched the lives of other children, like Nicole, who have life-threatening medical conditions.

Eighth-Annual “World’s Largest Ice Cream Social”
on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5-8 p.m.

Cold Stone Creamery has supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 2002, generating $3.2 million in donations. This year, 5-year-old Make-A-Wish^® kid Jack teamed with Cold Stone Creamery’s Tastemaster^TM Ray Karam to create his own ice cream Creation to commemorate the alliance. Jack was named “Junior Tastemaster” as he created his special Creation with sweet cream ice cream mixed with brownie, sprinkles and caramel.

During the month, every Cold Stone store will sell customizable paper wish stars for $1 each, which will adorn the walls of the store, to benefit the local Make-A-Wish chapter. The celebration will reach its peak during the “World’s Largest Ice Cream Social,” where guests will receive a 3-ounce portion of Jack’s Creation when making a donation to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Ice cream lovers and supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation are encouraged to visit their local Cold Stone Creamery on Thursday, Sept. 24, and throughout the month to participate in the fundraising festivities.

Thank you all who participated and voted in the 2009 Betty Crocker Campaign!

Through part of its annual $250,000 donation, Betty Crocker®
granted 12 Wishes in 12 Weeks to Make-A-Wish® children.
We are happy to announce the Suffolk County Chapter will be receiving $7,000 to help grant the wish of Allyssa, age 18 from Lake Grove who has diastrophic syndrome.
Her wish is to have assistance with her college tuition and plans to attend classes this coming fall at Dowling.

Jewelers for Children Holds Inaugural Children’s Day

Suffolk County Child’s Wish to Celebrate Decade of Support for Make-A-Wish Foundation®

On May 31, Make-A-Wish Foundation® partner Jewelers for Children will hold its inaugural Children’s Day to celebrate the children who benefit from its members’ charitable efforts.

Jewelers for Children members will share their success stories with customers to spread the word about Children’s Day. The organization will also announce contributions to its charity partners, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 1999, JFC has funded more than 1,100 wishes nationwide, and the Foundation plans to grant 75 wishes supported by the jewelers’ organization in 2009.

On May 14th, Kay Cameron Jewelers in Sayville held a special Bon Voyage party for wish child Jared. Jared is a 5 year old from Miller Place. He has malformation of the brain. His wish is to go to Disney this May. Kay Cameron and her grandchildren hosted a special party with balloons, cupcakes and gifts for Jared and his sister.

“Jewelers for Children and its members have made it possible for us to bring hope, strength and joy to wish kids like Jareds” said Andrea Franco, Community Relations Coordinator of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY. “Their support during the past 10 years has made a significant difference in the lives of the courageous kids we serve.”

United Healthcare Grants Chiara’s Wish!

Thirteen-year-old Chiara from Shirley is always willing to go on an adventure. She enjoys the excitement of learning a new skill and never backs down from a challenge.

Being faced with pediatric lupus, along with kidney and heart complications, Chiara has braved the rapids that undoubtedly arise from having a life-threatening medical condition. To help ease some of the stress of day-to-day life, the dedicated staff and volunteers at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. sent Chiara and her family on a fun-filled Caribbean cruise vacation.

Chiara’s seven-day journey around paradise was certainly a welcome respite for her and her family. Her incredible trip was made possible by the generous contribution of United Healthcare, which sponsored the entire wish. With the assistance of Jeffrey Alter, CEO of United Healthcare (Northeast Region) and member of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County’s Board of Directors, the company also put together a gift basket filled with chocolates, cookies, and other assorted candies for Chiara as a special send-off. Shown in photo above is Jeffery Alter, Chiara, and President & CEO of Make-A-Wish of Suffolk County, Karine Hollander. It is only through the kindness and support of corporations, like United Healthcare, and individual donors that the Foundation is able to make dreams come true for every medically eligible child in Suffolk County.

Atlantic Chevrolet Cadillac Dealership of Bay Shore Celebrates 10,000 UAW-GM Wishes

For 10 years and nearly 10,000 wishes, the International Union, UAW, and the General Motors Corporation have been invaluable partners in helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions nationwide.
To celebrate reaching the 10,000th wish, the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources sponsored a wish in each of the 66 Make-A-Wish® chapters. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. selected the wish of Dana, age 11, of Greenlawn to honor the national wish milestone.
Dana, who is diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. to grant her fondest wish: to go to the United Kingdom.
Atlantic Chevrolet Cadillac dealership of Bay Shore, New York will be hosted a welcome home celebration honoring Dana on January 10, 2009. The celebration included a decorated showroom, special cake and additional surprises for Dana, as a welcome home from her dream trip.