Hope & Harmony Playlist
In the spirit of our 2021 Evening of Wishes musical theme, we hope you enjoy these songs recommended by some of our wish kids and parents. If you have Spotify, we’ve created a playlist for you.
Name: Tara Sharp, Wish parent
Song: Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
Name: Jennie Briend, Wish parent
Song: I’m Still Standing by Elton John
Name: Kristina Stein, Wish parent
Song: Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
Words about the song: “This song is very special to our family. It was the first song we played for our wish girl Avery when she was born. Avery, her sister, and I have been referring to ourselves as the ‘Three Little Birds’ since my husband passed away six years ago. The lyrics are soothing and inspire hope that ‘every little thing is gonna be alright.”
Name: Beth Goddard, Wish parent
Song: How Could Anyone by Shaina Noll
Words about the song: “A friend shared this song with me. And it shows me that we are not alone in this journey. It became like a meditation for three minutes and my shoulders would relax and I could take a few deep breaths. Life slows down when you have a child with disabilities and this was a beautiful reminder of what is important in life.”
Name: Briggette Schilling, Wish parent
Song: Roar by Katy Perry
Words about the song: “It was popular the year our daughter Aria had her open heart surgery and it just completely spoke to who Aria as ... a STRONG LITTLE GIRL! I LOVE that Aria sings it at the top of her lungs!”
Name: Anna Kastsiukevich, Wish parent
Song: How Far I’ll Go by Aulli’i Cravalho
Words about the song: “Valeria loves this song because it shows the strength and the power of never giving up. It is very meaningful to her to be strong when it is painful to walk and to be brave when there is something unknown in front of her.”
Name: Nicole Sanchez, Wish parent
Song: Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Name: Karen Douglas, Wish parent
Song: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
Words about the song: "I sang this song to Parker when he was intubated and sedated after his liver transplant.
The lyrics…“one step closer... waiting for you...don’t be afraid... I will be brave... I will not let anything take away what is standing in front of me.”Parker was 16 when he had his transplant and is now nearly 23. I have told him I want ‘A Thousand Years’ to be the song for our mother/son dance at his wedding...(someday!) :)"
Name: AJ Brown, Wish parent
Song: Fight Song & Stand by You by Rachel Platten
Name: Deena Solwren, Wish parent
Song: Fight Song by Rachel Patten
Name: Isabel Bueso, Wish alum
Song: Welcome to Our Family Time by Phil Collins
Words about the song: “I picked the song because it reminded me of the Disney parade and the fun time I had with my family at Disney World. I was excited to meet Cinderella.”
Name: Lara Rajninger, Wish parent
Song: Too Many Animals in My Bed by Melodie Crittenden
Words about the song: “Jericho was 3 when he was diagnosed and those first two weeks in the hospital were heart wrenching. My husband and I alternated nights, and either staying in the hospital comforting Jericho or spending the night at home with Jericho's twin sister, Tomi. On the nights that I rested on a low blue cot in the corner of Jericho's room on the 7th floor of UCSF, I didn't sleep much. But when I did, I fell asleep to this song, often with tears running down my face.”
Name: Lena Strickling, Wish alum
Song: Unconditionally by Katy Perry
Words about the song: “I picked this song because it’s about unconditional love, no matter what you go through, and always being there for someone rain or shine.”
Name: Mickie Freitas Ferge, Wish parent
Song: Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
Name: Emily Carpizo, Wish parent
Song: I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
Words about the song: “Ruth was in the hospital for 3 months after her fall from her 3rd floor window. She suffered a traumatic brain injury. This song reminded us that she could take her time healing and that we would be with her waiting to bring her home. We needed to be strong for her.”
Name: Grady Hofmann, Wish alum
Song: Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
Name: Mira Shamel, Wish parent
Song: Bloom by Paper Kite
Words about the song: “It provided us with hope to go forward and bloom again.”
Name: Max Gavenman, Wish alum
Song: Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Name: Charlie Cleberg, Wish alum
Song: Unstoppable by The Score
Words about the song: “This song describes me perfectly. Nothing can keep me down. I love life.”
Name: Joyce Yee, Wish parent
Song: The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
Words about the song: “Heartbroken with the news my infant son had a very rare cancer, I sat in the realization that as his mother I could do nothing to save him. It hurt like heck. Only Faith could bring those rays of hope. And as I fought the giant like David did so many years ago, I found peace in trusting in the Lord’s Voice of Truth. I just knew my son would be OK.”