John recounts the long days, and even longer nights, spent lying awake in hospital beds as doctors tried to figure out his condition. He remembers how lonely it was when there were limited visiting hours that were strictly adhered to at the time.

“Kids don’t need that; they need as much interaction with others as possible,” he said.

Fast forward to now as COVID-19 has transformed everyone’s lives. For children facing illness, this often leaves only one parent allowed at their bedside. That’s why the power of a wish—to provide strength and hope—is needed more than ever.

That’s where John and so many amazing wish-granting volunteers come in. John believes that wishes are essential for children because, “[A wish] just gives him or her something to look forward to that is all about him or her. That’s what’s important.”

John has volunteered with Make-A-Wish for six years to ensure that many kids who, once like himself, have to sit in hospitals for extended periods of time or have to deal with serious illnesses. By helping grant these children’s wishes, John helps them replace fear with confidence and anxiety with hope.

Although the pandemic has changed how Make-A-Wish operates—some wishes are currently on hold—John feels as if wish-granting is even stronger now. A wish gives a child an opportunity to dream and be creative, and think beyond their current circumstance. “What’s between those ears, learning what are they really thinking, that’s the rewarding part,” John said.

Granting wishes has positively impacted the lives of children, and continues to enrich our volunteers forever. Want to be like John and feel the awe-inspiring power of helping grant a wish? Click here to sign up!