Why These Alaskans Are Heroes for Wish Kids
Nature is healing – providing fresh air and beauty to all who pause long enough to appreciate it. When you’re sick, nature is the best escape from the hospital. And for many wish kids, Alaska is the place to be.
Across Alaska, wishes are possible because of a remarkable community of captains, guides, tour operators and everyday supporters who are passionate about Make-A-Wish. Their generosity isn’t just about offering an adventure — it’s about giving wish families moments of healing, joy and connection during some of their hardest chapters of life.
For Captain Carl from Aurora Charters, it all began after taking wish kid Patrick and his family on a charter trip. Later, he received a heartfelt message from Patrick’s mother after her son passed away. Knowing he’d helped create a lasting memory, he said, “I couldn’t stop after that. I had to keep doing it.” Today, Captain Carl continues to take wish families to Alaska’s most iconic places, creating experiences they’ll never forget.
Carl’s son, John Hughes, carries that same passion forward. Inspired by his father’s dedication, he leads fishing trips for wish kids. He said, “I want to give back better.” And every joyful moment he creates on the ocean proves he means it.
JJ Brown, owner of Kenai River Trout Anglers, calls sharing the river’s beauty with wish kids “the best part of my job.” Snowcapped mountains, wildlife, bears and moose — he offers wish kids a front row seat to the awe that makes Alaska majestical.
At Kenai Fjords Tours, staff members love taking wish families to places they might never otherwise see. Their belief is simple: every wish kid deserves the chance to experience something extraordinary.
And then there are the many everyday heroes — supporters who give because, in their words, “It’s the right thing to do.” They know that a wish can help families heal, escape the weight of medical treatments and reclaim moments of respite together.
These Alaskans’ kindness proves that unforgettable memories don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone chooses to make them possible.
Every wish requires people who care — people willing to give what they can, whether it’s a donation, airline miles, volunteer time or a business contribution. Wishes don’t happen without community. They happen because of people like you.
If you believe every child deserves hope, adventure and a chance to heal, join us. Your support can help the next wish kid find respite and escape in their natural sanctuary. Learn more at Ways to Help Us - Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington.