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Cancer survivor again selected by wish foundation

"I am very grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for granting my wish 10 years ago, and for having the chance to be the ambassador representing Taiwan this year."

Lin Shu-chuan, cancer survivor

Many wonder while wishing upon a star or blowing out birthday candles whether there is such a thing as wishes coming true. Yesterday in Taipei, the Make-A-Wish Foundation proved that there is.

Ten years ago, 14-year-old Lin Shu-chuan (林淑娟) was diagnosed with ostereosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. While undergoing medical treatment, she made a wish to visit Disneyland in California. Her wish was granted with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Taiwan.

Ten years later, Lin, now 25, is on her way to Disneyland once more today, but this time as an ambassador, to help the foundation celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Lin was one of 75 "wish kids" selected from 113 nations, after her fight against bone cancer touched the selection committee, whose members felt that she served as a good role model for children.

"Shu-chuan personifies the hope and joy that we celebrate every day," the foundation's international chief executive officer Victoria Ames said.

"She and her life-affirming story are an inspiration to all children confronting life-threatening medical conditions," Ames said.

When Lin was 22, she was again diagnosed with bone cancer.

Now, with her cancer under control, she is living an optimistic and active life -- she is learning taekwondo and is preparing for a licensing examination to become a professional radiology specialist, in the hope of being able to help other patients.

During the anniversary celebration, Lin will participate in dinners with Disney characters and share birthday cake with the Genie from Aladdin who is the "official wish granter."

According to Wu Hsing-mei (吳幸美), executive assistant of Make-A-Wish Taiwan, visits to Disneyland remain one of the most-requested wishes the foundation receives from children who have life-threatening medical conditions.

Disney fulfills more than 5,000 wishes for the foundation each year, Rudy Tseng (曾文泉), vice president of the Walt Disney Co Taiwan, said.

"Lin represents the Disney spirit of optimism and enthusiasm," Tseng said.

The Rotary Club in Taipei also participated in the event, paying for visas, transportation and insurance fees.

"Lin is a role model, showing not only the importance of physical health, but also mental health," Lee Mei-chiao (李美嬌), president of the Rotary Club, said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, established in 1980, grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions around the world and operates in more than 30 countries.

The Taiwan branch was set up in 1994 and has helped realize the wishes of many children here -- from helping them meet their favorite celebrities to fulfilling their dreams of becoming police or military officers.

"I am very grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for granting my wish 10 years ago, and for having the chance to be the ambassador representing Taiwan this year," Lin said.
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