Leigh’s journey with Make-A-Wish Hawaii began in 2016 when she helped provide meals for wish families at a surf camp on Kauai. Witnessing the power of connection among wish families, she felt inspired to get involved. “This is what I want to do. This is what I want to be a part of,” she recalls. 

Since then, Leigh has served as a wish granter for 13 keiki on Kauai and two on Hawaii Island, using her creativity and community connections to make each wish reveal personal and unforgettable. One of her favorite aspects of volunteering is forming connections with the wish kids and their families. 

A perfect example of Leigh’s dedication is when she helped bring Iris’ wish to have a dance studio to fruition. Leigh worked with local contractors and community supporters to transform space in the family home into a personalized dance studio with everything Iris dreamt of. The joy on Iris’ face was beyond anything Leigh could have imagined. She says Iris’ wish touched her heart in ways she didn’t expect.  

For Leigh, wish granting is one of the most rewarding experiences she’s ever had. “If I have the time, I’ll always say yes—because I’ve seen firsthand the power of a wish,” she says. 

Mahalo, Leigh, for your passion and creativity in bringing hope and joy to wish kids and families across Hawaii! 

If you’re interested in attending a Wish Granter training, please contact Volunteer Outreach Manager Will Phelps at wphelps@hawaii.wish.org.