Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of Hope
Tamra Lemley, MD, Pediatric Hospitalist, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana Chapter Medical Advisor
Why is Make-A-Wish so important for patients in the Black Hills?
Tamra Lemley, MD
“Just given our geographical distance from so many things, there are not always the same opportunities given to families here. Giving the children of the Black Hills and their families support during times of stress/illness is definitely something special.”
You are relatively new to the region and to Make-A-Wish. What has been your experience so far?
It has been fun talking with families whose children will be eligible for wishes in the future (after they meet the minimum age requirement of 2.5) who do not necessarily need the wish from a financial standpoint, but to emphasize the emotional reprieve it can give the family. I have been very excited to realize just how many children are eligible to receive wishes.
Why did you decide to become involved with Make-A-Wish?
I have had patients who have had wishes in the past in other areas of the country, and being able to give back to the organization makes me very happy.
Who is eligible for a referral to Make-A-Wish?
Children must meet these criteria at the time of referral:
Be between 2.5 and 18 years old
Have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization
diagnosed with a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that is life-threatening