“When I’m running, I think of my wish kids and all they have gone through,” said Carolyn. “Their strength empowers me to push through the race and cross that finish line!”   

Carolyn is no stranger to battling a chronic illness. “I was diagnosed with liver disease in 2009,” she recalls. “That day I decided I would start volunteering at Make-A-Wish Arizona once I got better.”  

Since then, Carolyn has granted more than 150 wishes for children facing critical illnesses. She originally started volunteering with Make-A-Wish’s Orange County & the Inland Empire chapter, but after moving to Arizona two years ago, she felt inspired to continue transforming lives for critically ill kids and transferred to volunteer with Make-A-Wish Arizona.  

“It’s one of my favorite things to do and it has made just as much of a impact in my life as it has in theirs.”  

Carolyn enjoys meeting children during wish discovery visits and watching their wish come to life.  

I worked with a girl whose health was deteriorating due to her condition," she said. "She had lost her ability to speak and rarely opened her eyes. But when she went on her wish trip to Walt Disney World and saw the princesses, something remarkable happened. She opened her eyes and smiled brightly.   

“I am so inspired by the stories and these brave kids’ strength and courage,” she continued. “It’s all about that wonderful feeling you when you grant a child’s wish.”  

Carolyn emphasized you don’t need to be a volunteer to make a difference.  

“There are so many aspects of Make-A-Wish you can get involved in, whether it’s volunteering at an event, donating money or helping behind-the-scenes in the office. Everything contributes to the mission,” she said.  

If Carolyn could have a wish, she would spend a day with the Dallas Cowboys and eat lunch with the team on the field!