Young Israeli Cancer Patient: "I Want This Oshkosh"
EAA received a special visit from
the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin on Wednesday to mark the
state's first international wish that was granted this past summer
at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Raviv Yalosky, an 18-year-old cancer
patient, and his family received red carpet treatment here last
summer after they traveled from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Oshkosh. His
original wish-to learn how to fly-was not possible because of his
illness, so after hearing from a nurse about EAA AirVenture, Raviv
said, "I want this Oshkosh."
Make-A-Wish Field Office Manager, Jackie VerVoort, explained how
the late request from Israel had her initially scrambling. "We got
the call in early July, and I was worried how we could possibly put
something together on such short notice," she said.
She thought well to call Randy Hansen, EAA government relations
director who has served as the association's Make-A-Wish liaison
for six years. "After one call to Randy, I didn't have any
problems, because he and his team truly became the wish grantors on
this. They did it all, as Raviv was granted special tours of every
facet of EAA's AirVenture operations during his five-day
visit."
The entire group of AirVenture 2004 Make-A-Wish kids and their
families with Gen Chuck Yeager in front of EAA's Ford Tri-motor.
Raviv Yalosky is pictured standing, fourth from the right.
"You made Raviv's wish come true,"
VerVoort told EAA staff. She and assistant Christie Heckel also
presented EAA President Tom Poberezny with a special gold Wish
Star.
EAA and Make-A-Wish have worked together for seven years,
creating special days at AirVenture Oshkosh for children with
life-threatening medical conditions and their families. Members of
the International Federal Partnership located in the Federal
Pavilion arrange for special tours of convention grounds, including
ultralight flights, VIP receptions, and a flight with General Chuck
Yeager piloting EAA's Ford Tri-motor. Dave Grantham from the US
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency serves as the
Make-A-Wish Chairman for the IFP.
"Make-A-Wish is a great organization," Poberezny said. "We're
proud to be able to be a part in the first international wish come
true. I'm grateful for all the EAA staff who work to make special
days for these special people."
Many EAA staff members also had a hand in coordinating the
Make-A-Wish day. They include Kathy Phillip, Bill Fischer, H.G.
Frautschy, Nicole Raudabaugh, Jim Friedrich, Steve Buss, Gina
Raddatz, Jim Sternat, and George Daubner.
Throughout the year MAW looks at interests of their clients and
if there's an indication about airplanes or aviation, they are set
aside for possible inclusion in the annual Make-A-Wish day at
AirVenture Oshkosh.