Wishes Do Come True: An Interview with Make-A-Wish Foundation Founder Frank Shankwitz
July 28, 2020
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
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Guest Information
Episode Description
What inspires change? In the case of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a seven year old boy named Chris with a terminal illness touched one man's heart and inspired him in a way that changed the world. Frank Shankwitz, best known as founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, is that man. The Make A Wish Foundation is a global nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses up to the age eighteen. It grants wishes to a child somewhere in the world approximately every 28 minutes. Hearing Frank's story in his own words is not only inspiring, but touches your heart in unimaginable ways. He recounts the story of a young girl from Ireland who cut her long locks of hair, sold them and donated the proceeds to Make-A-Wish to help fulfill the wish of an ill child. We are all challenged at this time. Any small act of kindness, even a smile, from an inner desire to do something for another even if we don’t get anything in return, can go a long way.
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk
New Shows Weekly on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Phyllis Ayman, host of Seniors Straight Talk, is a speech and language pathologist, certified dementia practitioner, trainer, and best-selling author who’s dedicated to improving quality life and quality care for older adults in our families, communities and nursing home residents. She’s best known for her communication skills, empathy, unwavering high standards, and believes strongly that care treatment of older adults is a direct reflection of society’s attitudes towards adults the elder years of their lives. She’s passionate about meeting the needs of our culturally diverse senior population and understands the root causes faced by nursing home residents after working in 50 nursing homes. Phyllis is passionate about teaching what she learned from helping your parents to how she can help you. Phyllis is an accomplished author and featured speaker and an accomplished trainer for both the public and private sector. Her latest book Dignity and Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? became an instant Amazon bestseller. She’s published several articles and courses for healthcare workers and caregivers and holds a trademark for the word “IMpathy” (tm).
Phyllis serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, is an advisory board member to Olive Community Services based in Los Angeles, California and served as a member of the COVID19 National Health Care Coalition.
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