When 12-year-old Hope Stout, who contracted Osteosarcoma, an extremely rare form of bone cancer, was contracted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hope's "wish" was that all the wishes could come true for the 156 children on the foundation's "wish" list.

Hope Stout died Sunday, January 4 but her "wish" inspired others to work even harder to make it come true.

In a recent statement, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina expressed that they were "deeply saddend by the recent death of Hope Stout. Hope was a very special young lady whose compassion has touched many hearts and whose wish inpired hundred to action. Her spirit will live on in the lives of those touched by her story and through the smile of every child whose wish she helped to grant."

"In accordance with the wishes of Hope and the Stout family, we will continue to accept donations in Hope's memory to support her wish. It is our honor to help grant this unique wish to such a remarkable child. Hope, like all of our wish children, inspires us and we thank her for allowing so many to 'share the power of a wish.' Our thought and prayers continue to be with Hope's family and all those who loved her."

The foundation estimates it will take $1 million to grant the wishes of the children who have life-threatening illnesses, and has vowed to raise it.

The Make-A-Wish foundation has received more than $450,000, including 100-thousand dollars from one anonymous donor. A bidder paid $15,000 for four playoff tickets donated by the Panthers during a local radio station talk show during Christmas week.

There's still $500,000 to go.

To help make Hope Stout's "wish" come true, donations can be made by check to the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina and mailed to Interstate Tower, 121 West Trade Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202. Please indicate that the money should be directed to the "Celebration of Hope." To contribute online, please visit www.celebrationofhope.org.

The "Celebration of Hope" will be a gathering of companies, organizations and individuals that have teamed with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Swisher Hygiene Franchise Corporation in their efforts to make the dream of Hope Stout come true. The gala will take place on January 16 at the Charlotte Westin. Tickets are $250 per person or $5,000 for a Hope's Helper table. For more information, please contact 877-677-9474 or visit www.celebrationofhope.org