I am pleased to offer this letter as an affirmation of my daughter’s participation with the
organization “Coalition for Kids” where she was involved with the group in the granting of
wishes for terminally ill children in Poland.
Certainly as a parent we are programmed to question any activity our children become
involved in and in particular the guarding of their safety and well being is paramount. The
Coalition seeks individuals who can be good ambassadors for the cause which has been
prescribed in their mandate. To this end, the methodology of selection is somewhat unique
to many of our traditional understandings relative to involvement in an organization or
activity. For example, in most cases we as the public are expecting to view an
advertisement outlining some program offered by a particular agency. You simply choose
to register and do some investigation and perhaps decide to participate. The Coalition on
the other hand seeks individuals who are self motivated and demonstrate personal initiative
and in fact, seek out the experience. Essentially it is word of mouth which generates the
curiosity and interest in pursuing the potential association with the Coalition. This method
assists in the prescreening process where potential participants demonstrate personal
motivational skills in an inherent manner, in addition to those personality traits which lend
themselves to the necessary need and desire to work with people and to empathize with
others less fortunate than themselves. Essentially, selflessness is a vital component to the
cause and it cannot be sought but must be found.
In my own case, my daughter, who tends to be very self sufficient and self directed in her
endeavors, created a situation where as a parent I needed to respect her decisions and
desires while supporting good and not so good potential outcomes. It is hard being a parent
sometimes.
When I was approached by her with her intent, I listened and initially questioned her
unfleeting desire to participate. I even suggested a number of possible alternatives for her
to consider rather than to fly to a strange land and basically be out of my control. It is very
hard to be a parent.
After much determination on her behalf, I suggested that if it was something she really
wanted to do then she must be completely responsible and that was it! I had no intention of
attending any meetings and she was on her own. Of course as an adult we can only hold
our ground for so long and I did attend a meeting finally, which was actually against my
daughters wishes. I guess she decided that if I wasn’t going to be involved I would just
have to get over myself. Go figure.
Anyway, my introduction to the leaders of the Coalition was a nice relaxed gathering with
a meeting which outlined the purpose and method of the program in addition to examples
of those who had participated in the past with their impressions. My defenses began to drop
when I realized that this was not a scam but an honest undertaking to promote something
really good for many people. In short I bought into the program immediately and was
satisfied that my daughter could make her way on this exciting adventure.
We were in constant contact with the organizers and kept abreast of the itinerary as it was
unfolding. I had no apprehension about Allison flying to Poland and in fact, felt it was a
better opportunity then that of a European tour since the tour chaperone was Polish and her
family was directly involved in the activity. Her companionship and friendship made this
an outstanding experience for the participants. I received many emails and photos of the
trip along with news clippings provided by the Polish news papers. I had no direct contact
with my daughter as it was an undertaking that I considered a personal project for her and I
wanted to stay at arms length.
Reflecting on the outcome, I must say this was a very positive program for her to
participate in. She took ownership of the project from the start and I feel she has been
greatly influenced in a positive way. I am not sure where her experiences will manifest
themselves but I am certain they are life-long.
I take pleasure in supporting the efforts of Coalition for Kids and highly recommend
participation.
