The Make-A-Wish Foundation is known by many around the world as an organization that grants wishes to children two and a half to 18 years old who have critical illnesses. This past August, one West student, sophomore Madelyn Crossman, was granted a wish by the foundation.

“I reached out to Make-A-Wish and then they had to be in touch with the care team at UW Madison,” Crossman’s mother, Jennifer Marquissee, said. “They had to get Madelyn’s diagnosis, and her specializations and stuff like that and then they called us back to say that we qualified. It's a simple process, but it did take a while.”

A large misconception is that Make-A-Wish only grants wishes to those with terminal illnesses, but the foundation also strives to make wishes for children with critical illnesses.

“Madelyn has spina bifida,” Marquissee said. “It affects the nerves on the spine wherever it stops. Some kids have it really low so their spinal cord is almost fully developed, and some kids have it a bit higher. Madelyn’s is probably right in the middle of that, so she has hip function, but anything below that she doesn't feel or have any control over.”

Marquissee collaborated with the care team at UW-Madison, who worked to help Crossman qualify for the Make-A-Wish program.

“I think it is usually reserved for kids that are terminal,” Marquissee said. “But the team in Madison has the outlook that our kids go through a lot of stuff anyways, so that is why they are such strong advocates for our kids to qualify for the Make-A-Wish.”

After receiving the exciting news that Madelyn’s wish would be granted, she had to decide what she was going to ask for.

“She had a hard time deciding what she wanted, because it is a special thing and they only get it one time in their life,” Marquissee said. “She isn't a big traveler, or a big fan of going outside her comfort zone, so I had this idea to do a patio in our backyard.”

Once they had come up with their idea, they reached out to Make-A-Wish and set the plan into motion.

“We were super excited to see how it would all play out,” Marquissee said. “When we found out that we got the wish and they had a date set up, I kept thinking how great it would be to have this wonderful backyard that Madelyn can use. We were just thrilled that it was going to be so cool for Madelyn.”

A backyard patio would provide more accessibility for wheelchairs as well as a large space and garden that Crossman would be able to enjoy.

“We have had this awesome backyard for Madelyn's whole life, but she couldn’t use it because wheelchairs don't really do well on grass,” Marquissee said. “Because Madelyn's Make-A-Wish was outside, it had to be weather dependent. We got this patio, and then they gave us a raised garden that she can tend to with vegetables and plants.”

The project was finished by the end of summer, and Crossman and her family have been enjoying the thrilling new addition to their lives.

“My favorite part is being with my family when we are all together and having room to explore,” Crossman said. “I’m also looking forward to planting a garden this spring.”

Although they have not yet been able to plant a garden, Crossman has found many ways to enjoy the patio.

“We were able to hang out, and she is just able to get outside with more room to explore and hang out instead of being limited to one area right outside our back door,” Marquissee said. “It has become fun in that she has more space to move and spend time with us.”

Crossman’s teacher and case manager Stephanie Polak was delighted to hear the news of Crossman’s wish being granted.

“We have a very close relationship since we work together on a daily basis,” Polak said. “She is an amazing young lady and has a great sense of humor. There are so many medical worries and concerns for this family on a daily basis, so just being able to provide what Make-A-Wish did for the family is just amazing.”

The new backyard from the Make-A-Wish Foundation will continue to impact the lives of Crossman and her family in the coming years. Marquissee encourages others to contribute to this cause, knowing firsthand the joy it can bring.

“I know that we are in a really tough time in the world, but if people want to support Make-A-Wish, even if it is volunteering, there are several special events throughout the year to help with,” she said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation hopes to give kids strength, renew hope, unite communities, and transform the lives of many.

“I love the Make-A-Wish foundation; it really brings such joy to all families they benefit,” Polak said. “It is an organization that has touched so many in countless ways.”

By Grace Weber and Abby Eaton

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue IV

February 1st, 2020

Make-A-Wish brings strength, hope, and transformation to West