Transforming Tragedy into Hope: Ned and Suzie's Story

“I still remember the sound of sirens when our daughter-in-law called us with the news,” recalled Suzie Allen. In July 2003, Ned and Suzie Allen’s lives were forever changed when their grandson Chip tragically passed away.  

Just a few weeks earlier, the couple had agreed to head a major giving campaign for Make-A-Wish. It wasn’t until they were sitting in the ICU saying goodbye to Chip, that Ned and Suzie had a poignant self-realization. “At this very moment, we’re going through the same emotions wish families undergo daily, not knowing what’s in store for their children,” said Ned. The next day, they decided to turn their gift into an endowment in honor of their grandson.  

Since then, Ned and Suzie have dedicated more than 15 years to Make-A-Wish, both serving six-year terms on the National Board, as members of the National Board Alumni Association, loyal donors and wish granters. The couple was also involved with Make-A-Wish in the 1980s, when Ned aided with the construction of Give Kids the World Village in Orlando. Through his involvement, he met thousands of wish kids and their families and saw the impact wishes were having on children’s quality of life. 

“The more you are around these wish families, you see the hope that is provided to them by the wish experience,” said Ned. “The mission has a great deal of urgency to it; you see the results quickly, so I liked that. When you take part in a wish, you see and feel the impact.”