Why do you submit referrals?

I submit referrals to Make-A-Wish because during the process of receiving a new diagnosis patients and families may experience a large range of emotions. Being able to refocus on the positive and giving them something to look forward to is often a bright spot in their treatment and a way to include the entire family in the patient's experience.

How would you describe the impact a wish has on your patients?

When a child receives their Make-A-Wish it makes such a positive impact! Often before and after their wish is granted our patients are so excited and share all the special details with the medical team that make their wish unique to them! So often when these patients come into the clinic on a typical day - if they are feeling the effects of the treatment they may be quiet or more reserved with the medical team- however, when they are sharing about their wish experience we get a chance to see them truly come out of their “shell” and share their personalities with those participating in their treatment and care. It’s a nice experience to share in the highs with the patient and not just necessarily the “lows” that accompany treatment.

How has working with Make-A-Wish impacted your work and your life?

Working within the division of pediatric hematology/oncology - As a CCLS- I am fortunate to work with and support individuals who receive a wide range of diagnoses and prognostic outcomes. Introducing to the patient and family the opportunity to work with Make-A-Wish during this time offers hope and moments of joy during active or at the end of treatment. For me, personally working with the organization on rush-wish situations and seeing Make-A-Wish work to honor the requests for these fighters and their families - that ability to make a difference and impact the quality of life helps these families build memories and a lifelong legacy that will stay with them forever.

What wish or wish ideas have stood out to you the most and why?

For me- the most unique wishes are the kiddos who aren’t looking for the typical larger travel experience to a theme park or destination with their families… (don’t get me wrong those wishes are also great- and make such a difference) but those patients looking for a more experiential wish in getting to know an individual or celebrity (athlete/actor/social media star) and spending time with them 1 on 1. When they are willing to open up- share their likes and really get to know others. I can’t help but feel so proud of them for all they have overcome in treatment and in life. Seeing them with such self-confidence and sharing their story is inspiring.