Josh Goblowsky is a young man with a big heart and a desire to help others. When he decided to write a children’s book series last year, he made the decision to donate all of the proceeds to charity. He chose The Sunshine Foundation, an organization that had a huge impact on him as a child. Though he didn’t know it at the time, that choice would end up having that same impact on a young boy living in Douglas County.

His first book, ‘Josh’s World’, is told through the eyes of a dragon that got jumbled in the nest, and it details the unique realities of his own life. The second book in the series, ‘Josh’s Friends’, talks about the things he has learned about making and being a friend. Josh lived a different life than most kids, and through his books he shares it with the world.

The recipient of the book proceeds, The Sunshine Foundation, is wish granting organization. They serve children between the ages of three and eighteen with significant physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities, or those who have suffered physical or sexual abuse, and whose families have limited financial resources. They are different from other wish granting organizations in that recipients must not have a life-threatening diagnosis to qualify, and there is an income cap for the families.

Josh’s story with The Sunshine Foundation began when he was just three years old. He was the victim of a hit and run accident with two semi-trucks. The accident caused a Traumatic Brain Injury, and doctors were not sure if he would even survive. Once he fought through the initial injury, he began the long road to recovery.

At nine years old, Josh was granted a wish from the Sunshine Foundation, and he chose to go to Disney World. His dad, Mark Goblowsky, told the story of when they first saw the sign to the park.  “Josh was so excited when he saw the sign that he hurt his hands clapping,” he recounted.

The Sunshine Foundation has a Dream Village in Disney world consisting of nine cottages. According to the Sunshine foundation, “the Dream Village is a fairy tale resort located in the heart of central Florida theme parks. It offers amenities and activities, including a swimming pool, playground, and miniature golf course, all specially designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and other special needs.” The Dream Village has welcomed over 21,000 children since then including Josh and his family. Josh said that staying in the Space Cottage, a NASA themed cottage, was his favorite part of the trip.

It wasn’t long until there were enough book sales to grant not one, but two wishes. One was a shopping spree for a girl in Pennsylvania. The second wish hit closer to home.

On a sunny winter afternoon this February, Josh was able to personally present a wish to a Bennington boy named Vincent. Vincent was born with a Hypoxic Brain Injury at birth. Even though it was a different situation than Josh’s, the impact is similar; both injuries affected every part of the brain. 

Vincent made the same choice of wish as Josh…Disney World and Universal Studios!  His parents said he is excited to ride his first rollercoaster the most. They think He won’t be able to quit laughing and smiling all day long, his parents shared.

Kate Sample, the CEO of the Sunshine Foundation said, “a trip to Disney might be something that other families do after planning and saving, but for a family that has a child with special needs, that money is often used for gas to doctor’s appointments, or equipment that is not covered by insurance. Providing their child a trip like this, or a shopping spree becomes nearly impossible.”

Even accessories for an iPad, or a handicap accessible swing in the backyard can seem out of reach. The Sunshine Foundation will grant wishes like that, too. It’s not all about theme parks or shopping sprees. It’s all about what each family wants.

Josh’s face lit up with joy as he delivered Vincent’s wish. Nobody knows more than him how much this trip will mean to Vincent and his family. Josh’s own struggles have granted him a unique perspective on the power of his actions, and his commitment to using his storytelling abilities to help others overcome challenges is a powerful reminder that we all possess the potential to make a difference in the world.

One way that you can make an impact is to refer a child for a wish. If you are connected to a family that has a child with disabilities, or that has suffered abuse, you can nominate them on the Sunshine Foundation’s website. As a reminder, children between the ages of three and eighteen are eligible that have been diagnosed with severe or profound physical, developmental, or intellectual challenges, or trauma from physical/sexual abuse. You can visit https://sunshinefoundation.org/refer-a-child/ to learn more.

Another way you can make a difference is to purchase either or both of Josh’s books on Amazon. Josh’s World and Josh’s Friends are both available for purchase in paperback, and all of the proceeds will continue to be donated to the Sunshine Foundation: joshuagoblowsky.com.