Jewelers for Children Grant Wish for Local Boy Battling Lymphoma

Paducah, KY, June 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Ryan, a Paducah native, who is battling lymphoma, a life-threatening type of cancer, was granted his wish of an ultimate gaming and fishing shopping spree to Walmart, Best Buy and GameStop, recently thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, Kentucky Region and its national partnership with Jewelers for Children.

“Jewelers for Children and its members have made it possible for us to bring hope, strength and joy to wish kids like Ryan,” said Susan McConnell, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. “Their financial support during the past 10 years has made a significant difference in the lives of the courageous kids we serve.”

Living the life of a typical 10-year-old is not easy for Ryan. Although he remains active by enjoying the outdoors, playing video games and spending time with his family, he faces daily struggles as a result of his lymphoma.

On May 2, Ryan and his family were whisked away by limousine, compliments of Limos by Knight, and taken to all of Ryan’s favorite stores. Ryan’s favorite restaurants, Burger King and Ryan’s Steakhouse, even treated the shoppers to lunch and dinner.

“We are grateful for our national partners in the Jewelers for Children program and to Burger King, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Best Buy, Walmart and GameStop for making Ryan’s wish a memory that will last a lifetime,” remarked Interim Executive Director Stephanie Verwys. “Thanks to the Jewelers for Children program, Ryan was able pick out his favorite games for his brand new PlayStation 3!”

In addition to all of his new electronics, Ryan also picked out new fishing poles and a mini laptop for himself and one for his sister as well.

“This was the best time of Ryan’s life”, commented Marcy, Ryan’s mom. All of Ryan’s new electronics and outdoor supplies “are things we could never have given him with the burden of all of the medical expenses we are facing as a family.”

About Jewelers for Children
Jewelers for Children (JFC) was created by the jewelry and diamond industry with the mission of raising funds for charities that primarily benefit children. Competing companies involving retailers, manufacturers, watch companies, trade associations and those who provide professional services to the industry unite on behalf of children in need. Since 1999, JFC has helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant more than 1,100 wishes through the Wish A State program founded in cooperation with JFC and Jewelers of America.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana is celebrating 25 years of inspiring lives, one wish at a time. Since the first wish was granted in 1984, this chapter has granted more than 7,400 magical wishes. This milestone year, the chapter will work to fulfill the wishes of a record-breaking 800 local children. There are so many ways that you can help create joyful moments for local wish children. Find out how at www.makeawishky.org.

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Contact
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana
Nancy Whetstone
(614) 923-0555
www.makeawishohio.org
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