When Michele Wexler first started to volunteer with Make-A-Wish in the mid-80s, she often found herself traveling miles across California with no phone or GPS for a wish. Sometimes, she’d even find herself on a quest, trying to read the map with one hand and rerouting because she missed her freeway exit. 

“I don’t normally read the newspaper,” Michele recalls about taking that first step to become a dedicated volunteer, “but I happened to pick up the newspaper and there was a tiny, tiny, little article about Make-A-Wish looking for volunteers – and I thought, ‘This is interesting.’” 

Although finding the newspaper ad felt like fate, Michele hesitated.  

The thought of having a lasting impact on children facing critical illnesses and their families is what ultimately made her attend her first-ever volunteer training. 

Since then, Michele has volunteered with Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles and is now a committed volunteer with Make-A-Wish Arizona.  

Over the years, Michele has granted many wishes, including 15 in Arizona and another 22 currently in progress. One of her favorite memories was fulfilling a Quinceañera wish.  

“It felt like I was seeing a bride off,” Michele said with emotion. “The family was so close, and the tradition was just beautiful. It was her special day, and seeing that joy was incredible.” 

“I absolutely love the Wish Granting process and figuring out what the Wish Kid wants and being there from beginning to end,” Michele said. “I love knowing whether it’s going to Hawaii or having a shopping spree, it’s not about their illness.” 

As a long-time wish granter, Michele has also seen firsthand the impact a wish has on families who face the challenges of long-term treatments and hospital stays. A wish offers them a refreshing break from their worry. 

“A wish is like giving them a sense of normalcy,” she says. “It brings excitement, it brings hope, it brings them something to look forward to.” 

For anyone thinking of volunteering, Michele encourages taking that first step, just as she did decades ago.