I am thankfully every day that my children are healthy. It is something I never take for granted. Though neither of my kids have ever been seriously sick, we all saw our young cousin’s struggle with stage 4 cancer. I’m not going to dwell on the devastating effects this type of diagnose has on any family, but I will mention that any moments of joy woven through those trips to the hospital and countless mental treatments lifted spirits. It’s those moments of happiness when children have the chance to remember they are still children.

I was thrilled to read that World Cup Alpine Skier and Winter Olympian Andrew Weibrecht has been a trustee for the Northeast section of Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Make-A-Wish has been granting children’s wishes since the first wish was fulfilled by a generous community in 1980. Since that time the non-profit organization has grown to give children that opportunity to make their dreams come true.

On March 24, Weibrecht has teamed with the Mirror Lake Inn and Whiteface Mountain to provide a fun winter experience for everyone. Anyone wishing to donate $10 to Make-A-Wish will receive a half-price Whiteface ticket. You don’t have to ski to make a donation. The 50% discount includes the Cloudsplitter Gondola ride.  The Mirror Lake Inn is also offering a room discount for anyone coming to Lake Placid to support this event.

If you have always wanted to ski with an Olympian, Weibrecht is hosting two ski sessions (10-11:30 am or 1:30-3 pm)  for a $100 donation ($75 for Whiteface pass holders). The free ski with Weibrecht opportunity is limited to the first 50 registrants. It is not limited to races, but to anyone wishing to experience running gates in a recreational giant slalom course.

A limited number of raffle tickets will also be available for participants to win a three-day, two-night stay at the Mirror Lake Inn and private ski session with Weibrecht.  The drawing will take place that day at 3:45 pm in the Whiteface Main Lodge.

If you aren’t planning on making it to Whiteface to ski on March 24, there are always plenty of opportunities to help make those wishes come true. Donations are accepted through the Make-A-Wish website. You can make a one-time gift or choose a monthly contribution.  You can even choose to target your donation to children in your own community.

I know that my cousin’s wish helped hold her family together during an emotional roller coaster. It gave her the chance to act like a kid for just a few more days. It is also created a memory that continues to allow her family to look back with fondness and not just remember the hospital stays.

On a lighter note, the skiing should be amazing. Why not fulfill your own Olympic wishes? You may not be part of an Olympic team, but you can ski on an Olympic mountain with a silver and bronze medalist.

Photo of Andrew Weibrecht used with permission of Make-A-Wish Northeast.