In 1990, at the age of 7, Lucas was granted a wish that would change his life. Born with spina bifida, he had spent a good part of his young life in hospitals and doctors’ offices, and what he wanted more than anything was an uplifting, joyful experience that he could share with his family. Through Make-A-Wish, Lucas received a trip to Disney World that his mom, Debi Hanselman, recalls as “absolutely magical.”  

“The experience made him feel special, from having a private chat with Mickey to getting backstage access,” Debi says. “And when you can feel special for something other than needing medical attention, it is a treasurable moment. Make-A-Wish made sure Lucas would have wonderful memories.” 

After returning to their home in Southern California, Debi says her son seemed transformed by the wish. “Lucas was happier and more sure of himself,” she says. “He even felt confident enough to get a service dog, which was one of the best things that ever happened to him.” Named Uhlee, the dog helped Lucas in countless ways, including pulling his wheelchair and fetching things for him. Perhaps most importantly, Debi says, “Uhlee helped open up Lucas’s world to other people.” 

Lucas went on to attend a special education program at Fountain Valley High School in Orange County, and eventually moved into his own apartment with the help of aides who cared for him daily. But with his mounting health challenges, Lucas passed away in 2013, at the age of 30. One year later, Debi—who had the flexibility to work from home in her job with an insurance company—moved to Sonoma County to live near her sister, Dana. 

Dana had been deeply moved by how the wish impacted Lucas’ life. Even though she had a full-time job as an IT manager, Dana still made the time to volunteer with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area as a volunteer wish granter, even before Debi relocated to the area. “I was an empty nester looking to give back, and I really appreciated all the organization had done for my nephew,” says Dana. “And I love kids, so it was a good fit for me.” 

Dana encouraged her sister to join her as a volunteer, in the hopes that they might grant wishes together. Shortly after settling into her new home in Petaluma, Debi attended an orientation and became a wish granter in 2015. Now, Dana and Debi work as a team, meeting wish children and their families and helping out with their wish journeys. “We try to find out what each kid’s one true wish is,” Debi says. “It is wonderful to see what they want and what we can do to make their life a little happier.”  

Dana estimates that they have granted some 40 wishes together thus far, and they have many favorite memories—like the time they brought hula dancers to a wish kid’s home as part of a wish reveal. “Every time I deliver a wish, I just feel giddy,” Dana says. “I think it is good for your soul to make somebody else happy. And when I grant wishes with Debi, she is a comfort to the parents because she has been through it herself.”

In recognition of Debi and Dana’s dedication and enthusiasm, Make-A-Wish Great Bay Area honored them in 2024 with the Wish It Forward Full Circle Award, given to wish alumni or family members who return to the organization as volunteers. 

“It feels like I am giving back, and that’s what it is about for me,” says Debi, who also volunteers with Canine Companions, the organization that matched Lucas with his beloved Uhlee. “I want to give back because it was so special for my son, and I want other people to feel that.”