Sisters granting wishes: 'It gives them something to look forward to'

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A pair of local sisters say knowing that granting a sick child a wish might be the last thing that child gets to do is why they’re involved in the Make a Wish organization.

Jodi and Mindi Hackett, along with Jodi Hackett’s husband Jean-Guy Bisson, have been granting sick kids with wishes through Make a Wish Canada for the last few years since Bisson and Hackett moved back to her roots in the Campbellton area with their young son.

“A wish-granter volunteer may choose to meet with the wish child and their family members to help identify the child’s wish ideas during the discovery phase or they may choose to be involved with brainstorming and planning special enhancements once a wish has been decided to create an unforgettable wish experience,” Jodi Hackett explained.

She started with the group in 2007 in Montreal after having worked for Disney Cruise Lines.

“I can’t imagine what these kids and parents go through … to give them this one wish, sometimes their last one, is super important. It gives them something to think about, to look forward to, other than being in the hospital and going through tests.”

She added that being able to help local kids, in an area where everyone knows everyone, makes it that much more special.

Mindi Hackett, a mother of two, said she’s honoured to be able to help kids realize a dream.

“It’s rewarding to give back and see them happy. The wish kid and their families have dealt with so much negativity and sadness it’s nice to be able to be a part of something that brings them happiness.”

The trio is organizing a fundraiser for May 22 they hope will help many more children over the next number of months. The dinner is to be held at the RIver Run Lodge, owned by Jodi Hackett and Jean-Guy Bisson, and will feature a menu from a cookbook that was the dream of Ontario teen Ty Chauvin, whose wish was to publish his own cookbook.

Besides the cocktail hour and four-course meal, those taking part will have the opportunity to bid on dozens of high-end prizes in an auction.

Tickets can be found by visiting the River Run Lodge Facebook page.