After experiencing a life-altering illness of his own, Cardell wanted to do what he could to bring light and joy to children facing similar situations. That’s what led him to Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.

Around 19 years ago, Cardell caught a virus that damaged his heart and led to two strokes.

“I was a relatively healthy person that suddenly couldn't walk a block without being out of breath all because of a virus that changed my life,” Cardell said. The possibility of being added to the heart transplant list always weighed in the back of his mind.

Cardell thought volunteering for Make-A-Wish would be the perfect opportunity to show kids that they aren’t fighting their battles alone. It was Cardell's hope for them that meeting someone else who had faced illness would not only be helpful, but maybe even inspirational.

"When I joined Make-A-Wish, I thought that a lot of these kids must be feeling just like I did all those years ago,” he said.

Through his time as a wish-granting volunteer, Cardell has seen how a wish is so much more than just a gift; it’s an enriching journey that brings joy to children. It gives the kids and their families the opportunity to rally around and get excited for something, providing renewed energy, strength and hope to continue fighting together.

Having a wish to look forward to can give wish kids the courage to deal with their medical treatments. Parents can finally feel some optimism about their situation. And doctors, nurses and other health professionals say the wish experience works in concert with medicine to make their patients feel better emotionally and even physically.

When looking back on his time volunteering, Cardell encourages everyone to get involved. “The small amount of time you invest in helping grant a wish is paid back to you tenfold in the feeling you get making (kids) happy and hopefully helping them recover,” he said.

Wish families are our friends, neighbors, and relatives Cardell said, “knowing that I’m helping someone right here close to home is very meaningful … as we come together during this era of COVID-19 we all need to look out for each other.”

Join Cardell and our other volunteers in granting life-changing wishes for children battling critical illness by becoming a wish-granting volunteer today. Take Cardell’s word for it: when they smile, you’ll smile. See firsthand the power of pure joy when you grant a wish for a child battling critical illness.