As Bill, Clarissa and many have shared, Kennedy, one of the children highlighted at last year's event, is lovely in every sense of the word. She radiates joy and her story is one with the happy ending we all pray and hope for when we think of these amazing children and granting them their wishes.

With your participation in Denver, you may be granting a child their final chance to experience a wish come true. They may not have much time left to create and experience a "bucket list".

Our Make A Wish story is different even still. Happy endings sometimes have amazing twists. I'm praying ours will add to the inspiration and motivation you're already drawing from as you raise funds for this incredible organization. They make an incredible difference in these children's lives (or in our case, add to the difference our child's life makes.

Jonnae's love for the animals began early.



Unconditonal love! Sassy never left Jonnae's side.

As Jonnae's body was losing it's battle with leukemia and we awaited her spirit to leave it, she and I shared a remarkable conversation.Her lucid moments were rare at this point, but we were lying in bed and she quietly said, "I thought I was going to get married". With only strength and words God Himself could provide, I smiled and heard myself say, "The bridegroom you are about to meet is better than any man on earth." She continued, "Who will take care of Sassy?" I would, I promised. She then said, "Who will save the animals?" (Jonnae wanted to be a vet and had told me she would be active in saving greyhounds). I told her I would make a list of all those things she had hoped to do and would find a way to do them. A couple of days later, her spirit left her body around 4am. Her body left our home around 6.

I decided to go for a morning run in our subdivision. My workouts, whether weightlifting or cardio, have transformed into much more than something that contributes to my physical body. They now serve my spirit as well.

I was running down a hill. At the bottom of it, I saw a sight I had never seen before and haven't seen since - a small boy was standing at the end of his driveway with a miniature greyhound. They were both standing there, statuesque like, as if waiting for me. As I approached and stopped in front of them, the boy looked a little baffled and said the dog never sits still like that. As I stopped to talk to them the dog began jumping, not on me but as though it were dancing. I smiled, took it as a little "GOD/Jonnae hug" and continued on my run. Moments after I got back home, Make A Wish called to discuss making arrangements for the wish they were going to grant Jonnae. She had wished for a family vacation where she could ride a horse on the white sand of the Caribbean beaches while witnessing the amazing hue of the blue waters. (We had a friend who was a pilot. Of all the postcards that he had sent Jonnae on his travels, it was the caribbean beaches and waters that mesmorized her.) I informed the MAW caller of her having just passed that morning and inquired about whether they would grant one of her "dying wishes". I asked, "Can we save some greyhounds?". A few months later, a local man did indeed grant Jonnae's wish. Through Make A Wish, and his donation, our local greyhound rescue was able to purchase a van in Jonnae's name, for their cause.

Make a Wish granted a different kind of wish for us. You are making a difference in many different ways by your participation. I share this story in hopes it will inspire you as you train and fundraise, as well as give you a different kind of Make A Wish story to inspire others to sponsor you.

Ours is still a happy ending. Just one of a different kind. The way I see it..."Jonnae won the race in record time". My husband likes to say, "She got done ahead of schedule". Some of us have a long time on earth. Some of us have a shorter time. What matters is how we use that life to GIVE LOVE to others. Love, above all, is the gift of oneself. She loved greatly. With your participation in this event, your gift of love is great also.

The president of our local Greyhound Rescue chapter receiving the check from Make A Wish

Seeking to be more loving always, in ALL ways, Denise

I never knew that Denise - You know my favorite word now - Awesome

That is so touching.

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. I am so happy to hear Jonnae's wish was still granted. I am so excited to be a part of the wonderful experience of giving to help make a childs wish come true in October. It will be such a beautiful thing!

Once again Denise, you and Jonnae have lifted my heart to new levels. What a warrior spirit to leave behind a legacy of hopes and dreams for others, and her earthly angel (Mom) to ensure those dreams are met.

Thank you - it just seems not enough to say that - THANK YOU! Love you always my sister!!

I have a mini Italian Greyhound who is just a joy...greyhounds are such gentle animals and so loving.

What a wonderful story Denise.Thank you for sharing your heart..

You bring so much into my world..you and Jonnae both. Thank you so much for always sharing with us these beautiful stories that inspire us all to want to do and be more!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your story Denise. Make-A-Wish is a truly wonderful program.
Gaye

Beautiful story. You and Jonnae continue to be an inspiration to us all.

What a very beautiful and touching story Denise. Thank you so much for sharing the beauty of Jonnae and making wishes come true.

Oh, Denise - I have few words to comment on this thread. Only love-gratitude-tears and more love to offer.

Your story makes me proud to be a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish.

Love and hugs,

Jackie

What a beautiful story. What a thoughtful and giving daughter. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sara

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story and pictures. Very touching and full of so much love.

Absolutely beautiful. I am just speechless.....bless you Denise and your sweet young angel, Jonnae!

Ahhh Denise...the strength and love that you shine is so beautiful...I am so glad you shared this with us!

Denise--I could not help but have tears rolling down my face as I read this story. I used to work in the recovery field and folks in recovery from addiction are fond of saying, "we are spiritual beings having a human experience." Jonnae is a spiritual being having a spiritual experience! Her love and tenderness continues to touch the hearts of animals and people (like me) who she never even met! Thanks for sharing...and it does encourage my fundraising and training efforts. Love, hugs and prayers, Christine

What an incredibly beautiful moment of openness you just blessed this community with. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing yourself and the story of Jonnae so authentically. You have moved me today. Thank you...
-Shannon

I am speechless Denise. This is such a beautiful and such a moving story. Thankyou for sharing it with us. Paul.

wow. I am speechless. I wondered what your take on all this was and now I see it. You are so graceful and loving, thank you for sharing this with us.

Denise, each time I read something of yours I am overwhelmed. What a beautiful story.

Tonia