Family Programming

Children’s Wishes Family Programming is open to all Wish Kids and their families no matter who granted their Wish. As a local organization, Children’s Wishes is uniquely positioned to continue to provide support for Wish Families beyond the Wish. Our Family Programming provides an opportunity for Wish Kids and their siblings to participate in fun activities and allows parents to support each other in a relaxed setting as the medical challenges continue. Call the office for more details and to get on our mailing list for Family Programming!

Brynn’s Closet

Brynn’s Closet contains princess dresses and superhero costumes for Wish Kids and their families! Inspired by #BrynncesstheBrave who wore 33 different princess dresses to 33 radiation treatments after being diagnosed with brain cancer, Brynn’s Closet demonstrates how the power of your imagination can bring sunshine and hope to difficult medical challenges.

Brynn is a sweet, full of life Disney Princess-loving girl who was diagnosed with Anaplastic Ependymoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer affecting about 185 children each year, in February 2017. A nine-hour brain surgery removed the tumor and she completed 33 radiation treatments over 6 and a half weeks, ending in May 2017 just prior to her third birthday. For being such a young child, Brynn has been incredibly aware of what she has experienced over the past several months. She asks questions about her “boo boo” and knows she received “fairy magic” to help her boo boo not come back. Brynn asked at the beginning of her treatment to dress up in her Disney Princess costumes for the appointments, as she believes that her favorite princesses are brave and strong and wearing her costumes makes her brave and strong, too. Little did she know just how courageous—and inspiring—she was to all who crossed her path. Over the course of treatment, Brynn amassed a total of 35 Disney Princess dresses. Treatment became something that she looked forward to as opposed to something that she feared; dressing up, showing off her costumes, and taking her daily “pictures” replaced the fear and anxiety of getting IVs, being in the hospital, sedated daily, and experiencing all of the side effects of radiation. Brynn is excited to share this secret with other kids fighting cancer or other life threatening illnesses. She opens her closet for others to be able, through play and pretend, to access the bravery, strength, and courage that already exists inside these little warriors when it’s needed the most. She looks forward to being a part of making potentially scary situations for kids a little bit easier, through the magic of Brynn’s Closet.

Journey Fund

Through our Journey Fund we are now assisting Wish Kids who are within one year of the end of life or otherwise in a critical phase of their illness. We do not grant second Wishes; however, through our Family Programming we continue to support all Wish families (no matter who granted their Wish) as the challenges of their illness continues.  Through the Journey Fund, we can facilitate requests to assist Wish Kids -no matter who granted their original Wish.

On Par Golf Academy

The On Par Golf Academy gives Wish Kids and their siblings and / or friends the opportunity to learn how to play golf for FREE when you register through Children’s Wishes.

Started in 2017, the On Par Golf Academy brings the game of golf to our Wish Families in a supportive, encouraging environment where we teach sportsmanship, along with other life skills, while enjoying beautiful golf courses.

For those not familiar with golf, “par” is the word used to describe the number of strokes expected to finish a hole. In real life, “par” denotes the concept of “equal value.” The On Par Golf Academy offers a fun, relaxed atmosphere where everyone can focus on simply doing their best, regardless of skill level.

On Par programs run year-round with Children’s Wishes families having access to clinics, instructional leagues, Summer camps, golf simulators and private lessons at Coventry Pines (On Par South) or Button Hole (On Par North.) Discounted play with an adult is available at our parent course, Coventry Pines, based on upon availability.

On Par South – RI Children’s Golf Course, Coventry, RI

Group and individual lessons are taught by David McBride, a PGA Teaching Professional at the RI Children’s Golf Course at Coventry Pines Golf Course. Coach Dave (aka Coach DJ) leads instructions with support from other experienced golfers for one-on-one assistance.

On Par North – Button Hole, Providence, RI

Button Hole offers a variety of programs at all levels. Kids can enroll in the “BH” Kids Golf Program and, upon completion, earn the privilege to play the course for $1 dollar until the age of 18!

How to Register
On Par Golf Academy Registration is now available online! Click here to fill out the registration form.

Remember to indicate the On Par program & location you’re signing up for!

Contact Information
Lorraine Peloquin, our Golf Program Director, can be reached at 401.921.1300 x103 or Lorraine@childrens-wishes.org to help answer questions, assist with program registration or discuss partnership opportunities.

Wish to Dance

Our Wish to Dance program is at the Mishnock Barn in West Greenwich! For ages 18 and up, Wish Families can go to the Barn for free and enjoy some fantastic country music and learn how to dance! Beginner lessons are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday @7:30pm but families are welcome to go any night! Wish Families can call the office and get a “Dance Card” which is a $40 value! When you arrive at the Barn, you will show your Dance Card and sign in at the door. One family member must be present and must check in—no exceptions! In exchange, the $10/pp cover charge will be waived.

Your Dance Card can be used as many times as you want. However, it is not transferable and one member of the Wish family must be present in order for the cover charge to be waived. Come down to the Barn and learn some new dances and burn some calories!

Dan & Kelly Albro and the Mishnock family continue to support Children’s Wishes throughout the year! Make sure you introduce yourself as they are thrilled to be supporting Wish to Dance and Dan actually named the program for us! 😊

The Mishnock Barn is located at 200 Mishnock Road in West Greenwich- Exit 6a off Rt 95 South. From our office in Warwick it takes 15 minutes to get there!

Fun times at the Barn are closer than you think!

Wishing You WELLness

Since 2017, Children’s Wishes has been offering a compliment of wellness program opportunities to Wish Families. From Zumba, yoga and spin classes to bootcamps and gym memberships, our Wishing You WELLness program provides Wish Families with self-care and fitness opportunities throughout the year for FREE! Please call the office for information: 401.921.1300 and stay tuned for some exciting new offerings coming in 2022!

Words for Wishes

Children’s Wishes offers free books for Wish Kids and their families! Come to our office and pick out some books to take home! We only ask that you pay it forward and pass on the magic of reading when you are done with your book!

Connect Fund

Providing iPads and tablets to Wish Kids through a directed donation program.

Family Fun Programming

Family Friday Movie Nights, Wish Game Days, Craft Nights, Storybook Sundays with celebrity readers and theater classes/workshops