Geneseo Girl Highlighted In Statewide Make-A-Wish Foundation Promotion

PEORIA - Brooke, 8, from Geneseo, was diagnosed with severe Type 1 diabetes shortly before her second birthday. Her condition is complicated by severe hypoglycemia. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their upcoming Jeans for Wishes campaign, Brooke's dream of owning a therapy dog will come true this spring.

Brooke is bubbly and goofy and enjoys cracking jokes. She likes to take care of her cat, Sophie, and beagle named Sadie. She likes listening to Miley Cyrus and enjoys gymnastics, swimming, and cheering for the local softball team, the Lady Leafs.

When she learned that some therapy dogs are trained to smell when a diabetic's sugar level drops, she decided to wish for a golden retriever that could help her and her family cope with her diabetes. She also loves dogs, so Brooke knows a dog will be a welcome addition to her house.

About Jeans for Wishes
Through the Jeans for Wishes Campaign, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be able to grant Brooke's wish and many others. The campaign engages companies and schools to join together to wear blue jeans for a small donation to the Foundation during the week of March 15. The goal of the second annual Jeans for Wishes campaign is to raise $100,000 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. Organizations may register their company or school at www.jeansforwishes.org.

Participating organizations will receive a Jeans for Wishes starter kit to promote the program within their group. The inspiring stories of wish children, including Brooke, who benefit from this fundraiser are posted online at www.jeansforwishes.org where Jeans For Wishes participants can send notes of encouragement to several wish children. The campaign is supported by Abt Electronics, Old Navy and Midas.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. Since 1985, the Foundation has granted more than 9,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish® with special children across Illinois. For more information or to find out how you can help contact us at 309.637.1659, 800.978.9474(WISH) or visit www.wishes.org.

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