During the first contest, I was deeply moved by Phillip Jones' simple, yet poignant wish that his father to receive a quality prosthetic leg that would enable him to run and ride a bike. Besides providing the ability to regain what was lost from cancer, the leg would give freedom for both father and son to enjoy outdoor activites together.
Phillip, who was a runner-up to the grand prize of the "One Day To Live" Contest, invested great thought in producing his video. Taped at the one place he considers his peaceful refuge during tough times, a grove of trees near a running creek, he stated his wish before the camea. No special effects, no creative and catchy presentation. Just a selfless and sincere wish for his dad and the return of better days of running, laughing and riding bikes. His video received an outpouring of encouraging comments from those who were touched by every word of love and sincerity that came straight from his heart. With all the bad news in the world, a simple wish such as this burns brightly when shared with others.
Later on, I was able to learn more about this young gentleman's passion to see his father regain active mobility. As a follow-up to making the video, Phillip came up with a brilliant fundraising campaign to purchase a new leg by making and selling his own line of t-shirts called "One Size Too Short." The expression of his wish inspired a plan of action that will indeed lead to a successful outcome.
To me, this is the essence of Wishes4Life and the One Day To Live Contest. It invites the opportunity for people of all ages to take a moment to think and record the single most important wish of their life and share it with the world. Thanks to Phillip's wish, I am going to pray for his family and that someone will respond with a plan for his father to receive the best prosthetic leg available.