I Wish To Go To St Lucia’s Water Park – Jaiden Layne – 9 Years Old
Some wishes are truly extraordinary in nature and one such wish was granted on the 26th August 2017. Jaiden Layne (9 years) accompanied by his grandmother Deborah Jackman and The Precious Touch Foundation Inc. representatives Damien Bennett and Liz-Ann Baker departed Barbados for St. Lucia to fulfill Jaiden’s wish of “I wish to go to the water park in St. Lucia”. Jaiden’s wish was sponsored by the Precious Touch Foundation Inc. and World Electronics. Jaiden and his grandmother stayed at the luxurious Bay Gardens Beach Resort in Rodney Bay which is located to the north of the island and which is also a stones throw away from St. Lucia’s water park “Splash Island”. Six (6) 1 hour complimentary passes were given to Jaiden for him to soak up his wish. The stay in St. Lucia was not limited to just Splash Island, but daily expeditions saw Jaiden and his grandmother taking in the sights, sounds, heat and natural beauty of the island via coach, tram and boat. During his time on the island, Jaiden went on a tram ride through the rain forest, whale and dolphin watching, traversing along the worlds only drive in volcano “Soufriere” and a catamaran. He also couldn’t leave the island without getting a mud bath in the sulfur water from the volcano and taking a dip under one of St. Lucia’s waterfalls. Jaiden’s love for animals was seen when he was able to observe a baby sperm whale swimming whilst on the whale watching expedition. This took his breath away and the excitement showed. Jaiden truly soaked up his wish with many dips at the hotels pool when it was time to relax. The Precious Touch Foundation Inc wishes to thank the Bay Gardens Beach Resort, World Electronics, Splash Island Water Park and the drivers who safely provided transport and in making Jaidens wish come true.
Shamara Bailey-Leacock’s Wish Story
What was the wish?: To visit Disney World. Why did you choose this wish?: I choose this wish because I always wanted to go to Disney World. What did your wish mean to you?: This wish was a dream come true because I know that my daddy would not be able to afford it on his own. Can you tell us one of your favorite moments from this special wish?: My favorite moment was when I saw the penguins. How are you feeling now?: I am very happy and greatful for the experience. Wish that I could do it all over again. How did you learn of Precious Touch Foundation Inc.?: I found out about the foundation while on paediatrics (ward C7/C8) What do you want to tell people about Precious Touch Foundation Inc.?: I wish to let others know that Precious Touch Foundation Inc is a fantastic organization. It goes to great lengths to ensure that all the children with medical life threatening and terminal illnesses have an experience to remember for the rest of their lives. Although the kids are going through difficult times, the members of the foundation make sure that they can still put a never ending smile on the faces of everyone. Thank you Precious Touch Foundation Inc for the memories that you have given me. I will cherish them forever.
Ria Barrow-Campbell’s Wish Story
What was the wish?: To go to Disney World. Why did you choose this wish?: I always wanted to go there. What did your wish mean to you?: It was fun and exciting to be there in real life after seeing it on TV. Can you tell us one of your favorite moments from this special wish?:Everything! How are you feeling now?: Great. How did you learn of Precious Touch Foundation Inc.?: Through one of the volunteers while I was a patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. What do you want to tell people about Precious Touch Foundation Inc.?:It’s not just an organization it’s a family granting wishes for us kids.
I Wish To Go To Disney World – Shamara Bailey-Leacock – 12 Years Old
Shamara Bailey-Leacock (12 years) was very excited about her secret wish especially since it would give her the opportunity to travel for the first time in an airplane. When asked about what she wished for, she smiled sweetly and whispered “I wish to go to Disney World” Despite her physical challenge, this sweet adorable little girl got her wish granted through the kind support of Manulife Re. On August 19, 2017, Shamara accompanied by her dad Sheens Leacock, and Precious Touch Foundation Inc. representatives Adorial Maxwell-Hazell and Carolyn Breedy left Barbados for a one week visit to Orlando Florida. There she enjoyed all the magical wonders of Disney World, also the wonderful thrills and fantasies from as many rides as she could accommodate including all the entertainment planned for children at Give Kids the World Village. Shamara truly enjoyed watching the Penguins and being in the Pool and meeting all her favorite Disney characters. It is certain that she will always remember this awesome experience as she did not want to leave at the end of her visit. Precious Touch Foundation Inc. extends sincere appreciation to the management and staff at Manulife Re. for their committed assistance in making precious wishes come true for our very special children.
I Wish To Go To Disney World – Ria Barrow-Campbell – 16 Years Old
On August 19, 2017 a very pleasant and excited Ria Barrow-Campbell, her mum Juel Barrow and Precious Touch Foundation Inc. representatives Shakida Belgrave and Petra Burton left Barbados for Orlando Florida to fulfill Ria’s wish to Disney World which was made possible by the kind support and generous donation from Wills Primary School. While in Florida, Ria and her party stayed at Give Kids the World Village, a 79 acres nonprofit resort in Kissimmee Florida which provides through its vast network of Corporate and Community partners accommodation, transportation, theme park tickets, meals, including exciting daily entertainment and much more. Ria enjoyed all the attractions at Disney World especially the whales watching at the Water Parks, and the many awesome rides some of which she encouraged her mum and Shakida to experience more than three times. She also took the opportunity to enjoy some shopping for her favorite items and took some time to pose with Disney World characters. Precious Touch Foundation Inc. wishes to thank the management, staff, parents and children of Wills Primary School for their kind assistance in making Ria’s precious wish a reality.
Softer Side of the Army
One may be forgiven for thinking that being a part of the army is all about being tough and fighting bad guys. And while that may be true for members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), there is a softer, compassionate side to them that has seen them coming to the assistance of terminally ill children. Last year the BDF, through its Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee, teamed up with the Precious Touch Foundation to host the Have a Heart 5k Charity Walk and Run in aid of the sick kids. This year, the partnership continues with a similar event planned for August 19, with participants covering last year’s route – from St Ann’s Fort to Brandon’s Beach on Spring Garden Highway. “We believe in working with the civil communities; it’s a hallmark of the Barbados Defence Force, and over the years we have done a number of things – we’ve painted old people’s homes, we’ve worked with youth organizations – and so we believe in building partnerships with the civilian world,” Director of the BDF Sports Programme, Captain Michael Jules, told Barbados TODAY. “So we engaged the Precious Touch Foundation and we decided we will do a run and a walk and the proceeds from that would go towards Precious Touch Foundation, and to help children who have wishes to make it a reality. “We had a choice of various charities but the committee believed that this one would have been more appropriate and hence we penned it the Have A Heart Charity, because we believe it touches the emotions of people when you talk about children and children who are inevitably going to die, but have wishes….It really touched the entire BDF family, so we came out in our numbers and did the walk, and this year we’re attempting to do so again,” he added. To read more click here to continue reading on Barbados Today
DIGICEL & BDF “Have a Heart” Charity Walk/Run
The Barbados Defence Force and Digicel Barbados Ltd. invites you to participate in this year’s Charity Walk and Run to be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017. Proceeds are in aid of the wish granting programme of the Precious Touch Foundation Inc. Registration fees – Adults $30, Groups of 10 or more $25, Corporate Challenge (5 persons per team) $175 and Children 12 and under $15. Do ‘HAVE A HEART’ and give your support to this worthy cause!! Complete and submit the attached registration form or register in person at the BDF Headquarters, St. Ann’s Forte The Garrison.
World Wish Day 2017
April 29th is World Wish Day®, the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish® in 1980 and a worldwide day of gratitude to thank donors, volunteers, medical professionals, sponsors, wish kids and their families. Here in Barbados we at the Precious Touch Foundation Inc. were also inspired by the granting of a child’s wish and became registered as a local charity in November 2007. To show support and to continue to spread awareness of Wish Granting we, therefore, welcome you to join us and millions of supporters who share the vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. Some of you have referred children, some volunteer their time and creativity as volunteers, others make a donation to fund life-changing wish experiences. We thank you all for helping us as we strive to continue “To translate the aspirations, dreams, and wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, into tangible real encounters and fulfilling memorable experiences.” We could not do it without you! Happy World Wish Day 2017.
5K Walk/Run Organised by The Villages at Coverley
Wish-granting charity Precious Touch Foundation will be the recipient of funds from this year’s 5K walk/run organized by The Villages at Coverley. Precious Touch is extremely grateful when individuals or companies like The Villages at Coverley approaches it to help bring funds to the Foundation in order to continue the wonderful work it is doing. That is “making precious wishes come true”. .. See the attached Press Release for more information on the event which takes place on Sunday, February 26th.
Marisa Oughterson’s Wish Story
What was the wish?: I wished to go to Jamaica. Why did you choose this wish?: i choose it cause i wanted to travel on a plane. What did your wish mean to you?: I get to spend time with my family and see a different country. Can you tell us one of your favorite moments from this special wish?:My favorite moment was playing in the water play park in Jamaica. How are you feeling now?: I am feeling good. How did you learn of Precious Touch Foundation Inc.?: When I was hospitalize a nurse told my mother about it. What do you want to tell people about Precious Touch Foundation Inc.?:The foundation really help children get their wishes come true.