In 1991, Carolyn’s wish journey began during what should have been a typical high school year. At just 16 years old and in the middle of 10th grade, a persistent cough led to a life-changing diagnosis of lymphoma. Within days, Carolyn was rushed to Westchester Medical Center, where she began 10 months of intensive chemotherapy.

During that difficult time, Carolyn met her Make-A-Wish wish granters and was given the opportunity to have a wish - and she didn’t hesitate. With her bedroom walls covered in Sean Astin posters and teen magazine clippings, she knew exactly what she wanted: to meet Sean Astin, the actor who had captured her heart.

In March 1992, that wish came true when Carolyn traveled to California to meet Sean at Disney Studios, where they shared lunch at the ABC commissary. After they shared meal, Sean turned Carolyn’s disposable camera into a full photo shoot, directing poses and making the day feel even more magical. Carolyn even had the chance to share a song she had written for him, blending her love of writing with a moment she would cherish forever.

Reflecting on that day, Carolyn shares,

“Sean was wonderful - sweet, funny, cute - everything I knew he would be. He talked to me about his movies and his experience directing a short film. Those few moments with Sean made a significant difference in my treatment. My wish gave me the inspiration I needed to get through the eight-hour days of chemotherapy that lay ahead. Sean lifted my spirits, made me feel special, and kept a smile on my face.”

When Carolyn’s health took another difficult turn just two months later, Sean called her at home to check-in on her and sending her a birthday card. Carolyn shares, “The level of care I received from Make-A-Wish… I can’t say enough about it. Just outstanding.”

Carolyn’s recovery was gradual and required tremendous perseverance. It took several years before she could return to school full-time, and her path to college required a modified schedule as she rebuilt her strength. By her early twenties, however, Carolyn began to regain her momentum. While she once dreamed of becoming a writer - crafting songs and poetry throughout her youth - she ultimately discovered a deeper calling in education.

Carolyn went on to earn her degrees, start a family, and build a career as a high school teacher serving students in a Title I school community. “Teaching is a calling, not a career,” she says. “For whatever reason, working with students who need that support feels like home to me. It can be more challenging, but also more meaningful and more of a family atmosphere.”

Carolyn’s wish experience continues to shape her work in the classroom today. As new generations discover Sean Astin through films and television spanning decades of his career, she often shares her wish story with her students.

“When Sean does come up, I’ll share the story and the kids love it,” she says. “As a teacher, it’s all about building relationships, and that sometimes gets kids to open up about things as well. I love talking about my wish because it helps my students - and it helps me, too.”

Carolyn has also come full circle in her Make-A-Wish journey by volunteering with Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley as a trained wish granting volunteer. “It is definitely a rewarding process, and nice to now be on the other side of a wish… the one able to plan it.”

Carolyn continues to inspire those around her through her resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping young people find their voice - carrying forward the lasting impact of a wish that helped shape the life she leads today.