Jennifer's Wish - The Founding Story

Jennifer Mazak was just 10 days old when she was diagnosed with liver disease. By the age of 7, Jennifer had undergone 18 surgeries and had been hospitalized for most of her life.  

To distract Jennifer from her illness, she would listen to her favorite radio station, KIMN, which had a chicken mascot that was quite popular for his performances and acrobatics. Jennifer wanted to meet the KIMN Chicken and see a performance for herself, but her failing liver prevented any such meeting. Jennifer frequently asked her mother, Joan, about meeting the mascot, so Joan turned to her friends and co-workers to make it happen. 

What would come to be known as "wish magic" ensued, and soon enough, the KIMN Chicken was ringing the doorbell of the Mazak home! 

Jennifer was sitting on the couch and couldn’t believe her eyes when the big yellow chicken walked through her front door. The KIMN Chicken picked Jennifer up and carried her down to the pool where they sat and talked. Jennifer and her new friend spent the entire afternoon together walking around the neighborhood together and enjoying each moment. 

Meeting the KIMN Chicken gave Jennifer joy and happiness during a dark time. Their encounter was something special that belonged to her and made her stand out, in a good way. It was a moment of pure joy that brought peace and comfort to Jennifer and her mother. 

Unfortunately, two weeks later, Jennifer passed away from liver failure. “It is never easy to lose a child,” said Joan. “But reliving the memory of her day with the KIMN Chicken brought me the courage I needed to get through. She enjoyed the last days of her short life because the KIMN Chicken made her laugh and brought a smile to her face in a time of need.”  

Inspired by the impact Jennifer's experience had on herself and her entire community, Joan founded the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish in Jennifer's memory.