Contribute to Change: Make-A-Wish

This week’s Contribute to Change will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation because of two timely events.

First, this February I was introduced to the story of a young rodeo fan and aspiring cowboy through my job at RFD-TV. Brantley Morren is a five-year-old leukemia survivor who is “a tough little kid,” according to his rodeo heroes. His mom, Adrien, described the discovery of his illness to RFD-TV, “Brantley was diagnosed with leukemia when he was three. He had a rash on his neck that wasn’t going away and I was concerned. They told us it was leukemia.” She continued, “It’s like an unimaginable feeling.” Brantley received treatment right away and is now in remission.

While Brantley isn’t a rodeo star yet, he has a wealth of fans, including barrel racer Jimmy Bryant. Bryant is a contributor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and already gave Brantley a personal gift. A trip to RFD-TV’s The American this past February. Through his attendance, Brantley stole the hearts of many, including the staff at RFD-TV. The company decided to present Brantley with another gift: a saddle, signed by top rodeo competitors. Now all that’s left is his wish, soon to be granted by Make-A-Wish: a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December. I encourage you to get to know this remarkable youngster by watching his full story HERE.

Second, my roommate and friend, Jenna Daley is a long time Make-A-Wish supporter and will walk in Middle Tennessee Walk for Wishes this Saturday here in Nashville. She is just one of tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters working to grant one wish to every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. Jenna has raised $500 for the organization with the help of friends and family. She says she enjoys volunteering because she’s able to be “a small part of something that is so life changing for a child and his or her family.” You can help her raise even more money by donating HERE.

Make A Wish started out when a young boy diagnosed with leukemia wanted to be a police officer. His community came together to grant his wish and now a wish is granted approximately every 35 minutes in the U.S. and surrounding territories. In addition, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance says it meets all 20 standards for charity accountability and Charity Navigator gave it an overall positive rating of 86.5%. If you would like to donate to a chapter in your area, rather than to the Middle Tennessee chapter, please click HERE.