Meet Jose Cazares: The Power of Giving Back
Jose Cazares knows what it’s like to face a life-changing diagnosis as a child. At seven years old, he received a kidney transplant after years of illness and uncertainty.
Nearly two decades later, he’s giving back to kids who are walking a similar path – this time, as a Make-A-Wish volunteer.
“I always said, when I got better, I’d be someone who gives back,” Jose said. “Being a wish granter gives me that feeling. I know am doing something meaningful and it fills me with pride to help kids going through something I understand.”
Although he never received a wish himself, Jose spent his childhood surrounded by other wish kids. Hearing their stories left a lasting impression and shaped his connection to the Make-A-Wish mission.
Jose Cazares, a child, stands beside Mickey and Minnie Mouse in his hospital gown while undergoing treatment.
Jose Cazares, representing Make-A-Wish Arizona, proudly carried the Make-A-Wish Arizona flag across the field at the Arizona Bowl.
As a full-time EMT and mine rescue worker in Morenci, Arizona, Jose devotes his free time to helping grant wishes.
He’s currently working on five active wishes – each one as unique as the child.
One wish in particular hits close to home for him – Dylan, 14, received a kidney transplant and wishes to swim with dolphins in Hawaii.
As the wish granter he once hoped to have, Jose now supports Dylan through her wish journey with empathy rooted in lived experience.
“I know exactly what my wish kid is going through,” he said. “And now, I get to stand on the other side as a Make-A-Wish volunteer, replacing fear with joy. It’s a beautiful thing.”
To anyone who is thinking about volunteering, Jose encourages them to take that first step, even if it feels overwhelming and scary.
There’s a lot of fulfillment that comes from just showing up. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to care.
Jose Cazares
WishMaker since 2024
Beyond granting wishes, Jose volunteers at events across Tucson.
Recently, he carried the Make-A-Wish Arizona flag across the field at the Arizona Bowl, spoke to pre-med students at his alma mater University of Arizona, and helped recruit new volunteers ready to make a difference.
Make-A-Wish isn’t just a way to give back for Jose – it’s a chance to bring strength, hope and transformation to children facing critical illnesses.
As long as children continue to face critical illnesses, Make-A-Wish Arizona needs WishMakers like you to bring them hope and strength to fight.