Nevaeh and her mom in her wish for a reading nook.

Meet the donor behind Nevaeh’s wish for a reading nook

Steve Shobin donates each month to Make-A-Wish Arizona to support wishes for Arizona children facing critical illnesses. For him, giving back connects us all, especially during difficult times.

“I believe everyone shares the same core values to create things, connect with other humans and express compassion,” said Steve. “We all have an inclination to do good things, but inclination without opportunity is incomplete.”

“My involvement with Make-A-Wish Arizona has allowed me to do good for others and I can’t think of anything that warms my heart more than a young child smiling.”

Steve most recently granted Nevaeh’s wish to have a relaxing reading nook.

Every wish is compelling, but Nevaeh’s story moved me so much because she has difficulty communicating and her wish allows her mom and dad to be able to spend time with her.
Steve Shobin, Make-A-Wish Arizona

Nevaeh, who has a critical nervous system disorder, loves nothing more than sitting with her mom and enjoying the feeling of being rocked – but she had outgrown her family’s recliner.

With Steve’s help, Make-A-Wish delivered a rocking loveseat that now comfortably fits Nevaeh and her mom, plus super soft blankets and pillows, an iPad and a gift card so Nevaeh can download her favorite music and audio books to help her relax.

“I wanted Nevaeh’s family to have a place where they could sit and smile together,” said Steve. “It was such a beautiful story that I actually named my fantasy football team after her!”

Creating this place for her, her own little comfort corner, means that Nevaeh never has to sit alone. It’s just what she needs to give her the best possible day, every day.
Danielle, Nevaeh's mom

It’s wishes like Nevaeh’s and the passion and kindness of the Make-A-Wish Arizona team that motivate Steve to continue to giving year after year.

“I really enjoy hearing stories about the kids and how their wish makes them feel like there’s a brighter future ahead,” he continued. “The kids are our future, and it feels good knowing my support is making a difference.”