“I get to connect with wish kids in a way that isn’t based on what they are going through medically,” she said. “You can see the things they like or dislike, and see them just being a kid, which is really different than most other volunteer opportunities.”

Even through video calls—the new norm for wish meetings during COVID-19—the bond between wish children and their volunteers remains an incredibly special one. Riley remembers her excitement after meeting one of her wish kids for the first time and watching him take over the laptop and tour her around every room in the house. He was so eager to introduce his brother and display all his favorite things for her to see.

Riley knows this is what makes Make-A-Wish and the wish-granting process for children so special: she is directly impacting their lives.

“We don’t just find out their wish and send it to someone else. We get to know the family and the Make-A-Wish staff,” she said.

Riley is helping enrich the lives of children with critical illnesses one wish at a time, and you can too. Sign up to be a wish- granting volunteer today!