He was only four years old when he was thrust into a situation that even most adults would find difficult.
Joshua Klein, now 6 years old and a kindergartner at Paint Creek Elementary School, was diagnosed with Wilms? Tumor, a cancer of the kidney, two years ago. Mom Sharon had just taken him to the doctor for a check-up when the tumor was discovered.
‘It was the size of a softball,? she said. ‘They removed it two days later, along with the left kidney.?
Joshua’s father, Dave, said Wilms? Tumor usually only affects 1-5-year-olds.
‘It’s an under developed kidney that’s susceptible to tumors,? he explained.
‘This is something that shows the importance of annual check-ups,? Sharon added.
Joshua had his kidney removed and spent the next six months undergoing chemotherapy. It was while he was in the hospital that a social worker there introduced his parents to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Now, just over a year since he had his Make-A-Wish adventure at Walt Disney World, Joshua has designed a card for the foundation that might help other kids? wishes come true.
In March 2003, the Kleins, including now four-year-old daughter Rachel, traveled to Disney World in Florida, on an all-expenses-paid trip on behalf of Make-A-Wish.
‘I liked the Woody Woodpecker ride the best,? said Joshua. ‘It’s a roller coaster.?
The trip also included a stay in ‘Give Kids the World,? a center for ill children with 96 2-3 bedroom condos.
‘They set up the trip,? Sharon said. ‘They left gifts on the table every day, and Joshua liked the part where he got to have ice cream every day.?
A local building company sponsored the Kleins? trip through Make-A-Wish.
‘They brought gifts before we left, our whole couch was filled,? said Dave. ‘We were picked up in a limo and we got a van to use for the whole week we were there.
‘Basically, you get spoiled rotten,? he said. ‘It was amazing. Give Kids the World was like it’s own little city. They promote ice cream for breakfast.?
‘But for what (Joshua) went through, I think he deserved it,? Sharon said.
Since their trip, the Kleins have stayed in contact, and involved with, Make-A-Wish.
‘It’s a wonderful organization,? Sharon said. ‘We go to the walk-a-thon every year.?
‘They also have functions for the wish kids, with clowns and crafts and stuff,? said Dave.
When Joshua heard about Holiday Magic 2004, the Make-A-Wish holiday greeting card fundraiser (with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish), he decided to help other kids and design a card.
Joshua’s snowman card was chosen as one of only two designed by children to be used by Make-A-Wish this holiday season.
‘He likes making snowmen in the winter,? Sharon said. ‘He used cotton balls for the body, and sprinkles from his cupcake.
‘He said he wanted to do it so other kids could make their wishes come true,? she added.
Joshua is now cancer-free, and this December will mark two years since he had chemotherapy.
‘They say until two years after, anything can happen,? Sharon said. ‘This Christmas, he will be in the safety bracket.?
Since he finished chemotherapy, Joshua had been going for a check-up every three months. After this December, he will only have to go twice a year through 2008.
‘I think Make-A-Wish picked (Joshua’s card) partly because he’s a success story,? Dave said.
Joshua isn’t limited in anything he can do physically, except maybe playing football.
‘I play video games and soccer,? Joshua said.
‘He’s also in karate class now,? said Sharon.
Dave said because Joshua was so young when his kidney was removed, it shouldn’t affect him in the long run.
‘His other kidney will grow and make up for the one he lost,? Dave added.
Make-A-Wish told Sharon that Joshua’s cards are ‘flying off the shelves.?
‘Eighty-five percent of all their donations go directly towards the wishes,? she said. ‘They’ve granted 365 wishes already this year in September and October. You can’t imagine the joy they give to the kids,? ‘I’m totally dedicated to them for the rest of my life.?
For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, call 1-800-622-WISH, or (517) 272-3868, or visit Make-A-Wish online at www.wishmich.org to donate or purchase holiday cards.