Foundation makes sick children 'believe'
By Chris Hoffman, Special to Tri-County May 03, 2003
Though the "Grant A Wish'' Foundation recently changed its name to the "Believe in Tomorrow'' Foundation, its directive as an organization remains the same: to improve the lives of critically ill children. According to foundation spokespeople, the new name reflects a "bold vision of hope and optimism for the future.''
The Foundation has made a difference in the lives of Patrick and Susan Freischood, of Reading, who discovered the BIT Foundation by surfing the web, after their son became ill. Their son has been treated to the respite housing program run by the Foundation in Ocean City Maryland--one of four programs the Foundation administers.
"The staff and the whole community make you feel so good and welcome,'' said Freischood. She noted that the families are welcomed with gifts, like quilts, and coupons for free activities such as miniature golf, fishing trips, and barbecues."
Another of the region's families the BIT is helping, are the Oasters from Secane, PA, whose daughter Aby is ill. The Oasters visited the BIT Foundation in Baltimore, and feel the foundation has been genuinely committed to their daughter. This summer she will experience respite housing, as Freischood did. Joseph Oaster participated in the "Port to Fort'' four mile run sponsored by one of the foundation's partners as a show of his appreciation for what the Foundation does.
The BIT foundation funds many of its programs by partnering with a number of sympathetic organizations, who contribute monetarily and through sponsored events and programs.
On Saturday, April 12, one of BIT Foundation sponsors, the National Hot Rod Association treated a family to the O'Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston, Texas. Drivers John Force, Tony Pedregon, Cory McClenathan and Kerry and Brandon Bernstein spent time with the children and their families. Karen Keats, spokesperson for the BIT Foundation said, "The NHRA truly goes above and beyond their duties in working with the kids.''
Another BIT sponsor, Professional Bull Riders, performed at the First Mariner Arena on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29. PBR is not a traditional rodeo: it is the "extreme" version of the sport--a fast-paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat competition between 150 pound cowboys and 2,000 pound bulls punctuated by pyrotechnics and music.
The PBR treated its BIT guest children and families to a "behind the scenes'' bull riding adventure. Some of the riders including Lee Akin and Tony Mendes, permitted the children to stamp paint hand-prints on their chaps. On Friday, March 28, members of the PBR including their mascot "Re-Ride,' visited approximately 15 children at Johns Hopkins Hospital, along with four families staying at the BIT Foundation "Children's House'' at the hospital.
If you would like to learn more about BIT you can visit their web site at www.BelieveinTomorrow.org or call 1-800-933-5470.
Believe in Tomorrow National Children's Foundation, 6601 Frederick Road, Baltimore, MD., 21228.
©Tri County Record 2003 |
