Wish Alumni Then & Now Feature – Ryan

Hello, my name is Ryan Williams. As a newborn I was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. My family was told by the Doctors to “hope for the best but expect the worst.” Throughout my life, my condition held me back from activities that I loved but I never let it stop me from doing my best.

At the age of sixteen my Cardiologist informed me that I would have to stop all sports activities due to my illness. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens. That year, I found my love for acting and entertaining.

In 2006, my life was changed when Make-A-Wish granted my wish to become an actor! They flew myself, as well as my mother and father out to Los Angeles, California giving my family and I an experience we will never forget. I was treated like a super-star for an entire week! They arranged for me to take my first professional headshots, a private shopping spree and limousine rides to meet with top-of-the-line actors and producers in the industry. These entertainment professionals provided me with the knowledge and encouragement for everything I would need to achieve my dreams and build a career going forward. From my Wish Party, to the wish itself, I will forever be thankful to Make-A-Wish for helping me realize that I can have a life beyond my illness. 

Fast forward to today, I am 33 years old and have had the opportunity to work on commercials, feature films and even my own television show! However, what I hold closest to my heart is having the privilege to serve on the Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina Coastal Advisory Council. Being a council member has been the best part of my story with Make-A-Wish. Together, we have worked to plan events and raise awareness throughout our community. Seeing first-hand how wishes like my own come to fruition has brought the experience full circle. None of it would be possible without the time and love from our volunteers and committee members.

Our Eastern North Carolina members work tirelessly to raise money for children in need across the state from people who know in their hearts that Make-A-Wish is the greatest Foundation on Earth!