About Willow's Fairy Wish

Learn about

Our Story

The idea for Willow’s Fairy Wish began in March of 2016 when Willow, the daughter of Pedro Guimaraes, our founder, was diagnosed with leukemia.

During Willow’s treatment Pedro learned the vital role that families play in the lives of ill children. He also saw first-hand that financial pressure sometimes makes it impossible for a family to be at their child’s side.

This is Pedro and Willow’s story:

“After Willow got sick, I spent several months thinking about what she needed most. Eventually I realized that I needed to focus on what is most important to Willow during her treatment – having her family by her side. Except for a short period of behavioral change as she adjusted to being a cancer patient, Willow has been her normal self. I know that having her family around during these tough times has been a great help to Willow.

“Unfortunately I’ve seen that many kids in our children’s hospital don’t have a family member with them as much as the family and children would like – and need. Financial pressures (travel expenses and time away from work) get in the way of family support.

“This made me realize how lucky I am to have the financial stability to be able to be with my daughter whenever necessary. My goal is to help make this possible for others.

Of course, the big question is how to raise funds to help others?

“I did some soul searching and decided that my passion for music might finally fulfill some greater purpose. So, I got in touch with my friend Keb’ Mo’, a three-time Grammy Award-winning blues musician. Keb’ agreed to do the first show before I could even finish explaining my vision. His concert will be a great first step.

“We want to help children who have been diagnosed with leukemia by providing high quality and meaningful musical experiences that bring joy to everyone involved and to raise funds to help these families.

“We hope that you join us in providing the means for families to spend more time with their children during challenging times.”

— Pedro Guimaraes, founder of Willow’s Fairy Wish

Mission Statement

Willow’s Fairy Wish provides financial assistance to families with children who have been recently diagnosed with leukemia in Maine, with the goal of supporting the family to participate in the child’s care during times of hospitalization, or being ill at home.

Our Board

Pedro Guimaraes - President

web developer

Pedro Guimaraes has been in the computer field all his life, and runs a web design and media production business in Midcoast Maine. When not working, Pedro likes to spend his time nurturing his daughter and enjoying her development. Pedro also has a passion for photography, music, cooking, gardening and art. His favorite book is Walden and he tries to approach life with the idea that simpler is better.

Linda Christie

prevention specialist

Linda Christie is a Tobacco Prevention Specialist and former Community Partnership Director of Access Health, a Healthy Maine Partnership. The coalition focuses on prevention of tobacco use and substance abuse and encourages physical activity and good nutrition. She has worked in the field of community and public health education for 26 years. She is a graduate of University of Maine at Farmington with a bachelor’s in community health education.

Linda has worked in the field of maternal and child health, and has a special interest in children and adolescent health issues. She enjoys boating, free-style drumming and a wide range of musical venues.

William Avantaggio, ESQ.

attorney

William Avantaggio was raised in Damariscotta and attended local schools. He attended St. Lawrence University, then returned to Maine to attend Law School in Portland. He has practiced law in the Damariscotta area since 1994, and opened his own office in 2002.

Mr. Avantaggio is a past board member of the Mid-Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the CLC YMCA, where he has been involved in coaching youth sports.

Louise C. Janelle, MEd - Secretary

school counselor (retired)

Louise Janelle is a retired elementary school counselor, currently living in West Bath. During her career she held leadership positions in her professional associations and served on the Governing Boards of both the New Hampshire School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association, as well as serving on the Advisory Board of Yoga 4 Classrooms. As a school counselor, Louise has a unique understanding of children and their families, and recognizes the importance of social emotional development in the treatment of disease.