In 2016, Make-A-Wish Hawaii and pro surfer Bethany Hamilton hosted a week-long surf camp on Kauai for seven wish children hailing from all over the country. Bethany’s resilience—combined with the healing waves and aloha spirit—delivered hope and strength to these children and their families. But the experience also touched Leigh Feutz, who was working for a local company catering the event. Over the course of the week, as Leigh witnessed the life-changing impact of a wish firsthand, she knew she had found a mission that spoke to her heart. 

Leigh has since become an integral part of the volunteer wish granting team on Kauai, giving local keiki with critical illnesses the freedom and encouragement to discover their most heartfelt wishes and then working selflessly to help bring those wishes to life.

“Sometimes kids are hesitant to dream big. They can be pretty selfless individuals, not wanting to ask for too much,” says Leigh. “When that fear is allayed, the excitement and creativity kick in. A wish truly does renew hope, uplift spirits, and encourage the belief that anything is possible.” 

Leigh views wish granting as a true community effort; from fellow volunteers who brainstorm creative ways to throw wish reveal parties to generous local business owners who donate goods or services, everyone has something unique and valuable to give.

“People enjoy giving,” Leigh explains. “I walked into a specialty balloon shop once to inquire about a donation for a wish reveal, and the owner said, ‘I’ve been waiting for you. I saw a segment on Make-A-Wish and didn’t know how I could help. What can I do to make this wish special?’”

Over the past seven years, Leigh has collected countless inspiring moments like these through her volunteer work—memories like making pizza at Domino’s with Aidan for his wish reveal party, receiving photos of Zailea seeing snow for the first time, and, this year, watching Kapa‘a wish kid Iris’ jaw drop as she opened the door to her very own personal dance studio.

Having known Iris’s ‘ohana for years, Leigh jumped at the chance to be part of her wish. Soon, her front lanai was filled with over 20 boxes of items destined for Iris’ studio.

“As each piece of furniture was built, every toy put on its shelf, and each ballerina leotard and tutu hung, the reality of Iris’ wish came closer,” she says. “To be able to see Iris’ pure joy and exhilaration as she opened each cupboard and drawer brought tears to my eyes.” 

Such moments have had a profound impact on Leigh personally, and she encourages others to find their own ways to support the Make-A-Wish Hawaii mission: “Even if you think you don’t have the time or the creativity, you can have a powerful impact on the life of a wish kid.”

Mahalo nui loa for all you do to make wishes possible, Leigh!

To learn more about volunteer opportunities across the islands, please contact Will Phelps at wphelps@hawaii.wish.org.