Delafield 6-year-old says, “iWalk,” to help children like her

Six-year-old Frankie from Delafield has become a familiar face for the 2009 Walk and Run for Wishes, a 5K walk, certified run and wheelchair race to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Wisconsin. The Foundation chose Frankie along with four other Wisconsin wish children as Front Runners for the event.

Frankie’s wish to go to her favorite Orlando theme park was granted by the Foundation in 2008, and her family continues to reminisce about the magical journey that brought unending hope, strength and joy into their family’s life. “People treated me really special-like I was a queen on a throne,” Frankie said.

During her wish trip, Frankie’s favorite part came when she dined with her princess heroines. She also enjoyed the variety of entertainment at Give Kids The World Village, a resort designed specifically for wish children. Frankie will welcome nearly 2,500 people from across the state at Walk & Run for Wishes who are helping raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.

The Walk & Run will begin at the north gate of the Henry Maier Festival Park at 10 a.m. and continue along Milwaukee’s lakefront. Registration for the event will open at 8:30 a.m., and a kid’s dash for children eight and under will follow at 9 a.m. Honorary chairman, FOX 6 Chief Meteorologist Vince Condella, and presenting sponsor, Badger Mutual Insurance Company, will join Frankie for a day full of activity, including a raffle and an awards ceremony for the highest pledge collectors.

Frankie’s mom, Deanna, who experienced the power of a wish through her daughter, speaks to the impact that this community effort has on children with life threatening medical conditions. “You just can’t imagine how important a wish can be for a child. Sometimes, the most important thing to them is a magical day- a wish come true,” she said. “Frankie’s wish brightened our lives.”