Linda Bergendahl-Pauling

My hero is Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, who is the founder of The Make a Wish Foundation. The reason she created this foundation was because her son Christopher James Greicius died on May 3rd 1980 from leukemia. She started the Make a Wish Foundation for children with severe cancer. I chose her as my hero because she has brought so much happiness to both the children and their families.

The concept of The Make A Wish Foundation is that children during one of the last stages of cancer should get their last wish granted. For the family knowing that their child is probably not going to live through the cancer granting the child’s last wish is amazing and, it helps the family know that their child’s wish was granted after a tough battle of cancer. Linda saw how happy her son was when his wish came true so she decided to make The Make A Wish Foundation that would help children all over the U.S by granting their last wish.

Linda Bergendahl-Pauling is such a big hero to me and to all the families that she has helped. Her inspiration was her son, Chris. I can only imagine what it would feel like to have a child and have them die young from cancer. Linda knew that she had to do something and her idea has helped families nationwide. She is a hero because she has an amazing connection with children and is willing to do just about anything for them.

When I read the book Little Bubble Gum Trooper it instantaneously hit me; it was certainly sad and emotional, but I found the story very inspiring. The way she was willing to give her world to her son to make him happy. I am sure that Chris was impacted by how much his mother did for his happiness and comfort. I know that Chris had a great mom and that he will rest in peace being happy and thankful for her.

As you can see, Linda has made a huge difference to me and how I look at things. If everyone takes a different perspective on cancer, like Linda, then it would be easier to say goodbye. Linda is an amazing person who has made hundreds of kids have their last wish come true, and without her we know the families wouldn’t feel the same.

Thanks Linda, you are such an inspiration to so many people including me, which is why you are my hero!

Sources:

Bergendahl-Pauling Linda, 2000, Little Bubble Gum Trooper, Scottsdale Arizona, Red Rose Press LLC

“How it all Began.” http://www.wishaz.org. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America. 2010. September 18 2010 http://www.wishaz.org/about_us/about_us00.html.

“History.” http://arizona.wish.org. Make-A-Wish Foundation® . 2010. 9/28/10 http://arixona.wish.org/about-us/history.

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