Sophia Pays it Forward by Volunteering
Sophia started volunteering with Make-A-Wish while in college when her friend’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer and got her wish. She started volunteering again in May 2010 with Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas. Every one of her Make-A-Wish experiences is equally her best experience. She feels every wish kid is unique and brings something new to her perspective of volunteering with Make-A-Wish. To her, it’s not just the wish kids and their families. It is also the Make-A-Wish staff that makes her volunteering effortless and meaningful. The staff allows her to be a part of the overall vision and mission and touch lives alongside them. She feels forever touched by their selfish-lessness, kindness and compassion. “During the recent winter storm in Texas, I received 3 emails from staff checking on me. When people are in the business of people like Make-A-Wish, their care and generosity come across no matter what or who – in all interactions,” Sophia says.
Her favorite wish just recently happened when she volunteered to help with Wish Kid Theoden’s Wish. She knew right away it would be awesome from the moment she spoke with his mom Renae. Brainstorming on a way to enhance the Wish and make it the best lead them to engaging with one of the major donors for Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas, Torchy’s. Theoden loves Torchy’s but was limited to when he could enjoy their “damn good” tacos. Torchy’s made his day special.
On wish reveal day, Theoden was there to greet Sophia and her husband in the driveway. He made Sophia feel so special when he handed her a bouquet of rosemary--She loves the smell! His excitement was 200% that day. “This moment validated my efforts to move Make-A-Wish’s mission forward and create joy. I could see joy all over on his face. I never had a wish kid open a wish in front of me and it was so special.” His brother was a wish kid a few years ago and he helped his brother pick a wish.
With anything she does with community service and impacting people, Sophia loves the feeling of giving back. “While I was not a child who was ill, my family lived in poverty when I was growing up. I remember what it was like for people to change my life with their generosity. Volunteering with Make-A-Wish gives me the chance to do the same thing that was done for me when I was young. It’s my way of paying it forward and seeing the look on their faces reminds me of my joy as a kid when I received kindness from others. It’s not just about what the kid gets, it’s about the experience. I’m a hands-on person; I love hugging and celebrating with everyone involved as the Wish is revealed.”
She doesn’t just see this as “making time” for volunteering. She weaves her volunteer experience into her daily life and love incorporating her family and coworkers into my Make-A-Wish experience when she can. Her husband usually goes with me to wish reveals to act as our “unofficial” Make-A-Wish photographer. Her 14yr old and 11yr old can’t wait to be of age to volunteer with Make-A-Wish. She has her entire family wrapping gifts and make special gift tags for the wish kids. “It’s a family affair for us and I wouldn’t do it any other way.”
The best part is when she gets a special note or an email of her wish kids enjoying life. “Life has thrown them all some serious curve balls. The best part is seeing what we do and the impact on their lives. The Make-A-Wish vision of hope, strength, and joy becomes a reality with each wish I participate in and it touches my soul”.
