Debi, of Darien, Illinois, first learned about Make-A-Wish while working as a nurse, providing in-home care to her network of clients. One of her patients, a young girl named Kira, was granted a wish to go to Walt Disney World. Since Kira used a portable ventilator and required 24-7 nursing care, Debi was invited to join as her night nurse.  

Debi was deeply moved by the entire experience—Give Kids the World, Disney, and the magic of a wish come true.  

“When you say you are with Make-A-Wish, doors open,” said Debi. “People know someone needs them. It’s such a positive thing. It’s children. And people want to give.” After Kira’s wish, several of Debi’s other young clients also received wishes, so she continued to see the impact wishes have on families.  

As Debi retired after a 46-year career in nursing, she also became a grandmother. While it was an exciting new chapter for her, it was also bittersweet as her son and daughter-in-law lived out of state. Wanting to stay connected to something meaningful, and remembering the impact it had on her clients, Debi began volunteering with Make-A-Wish. 

“I say that I wanted to ‘pay it forward,’” Debi explained. “All the energy I would have used to spoil my grandson, if he were closer, I pour into my wish kids. I pray that my grandkids never need the services of Make-A-Wish, but I want to give other children that opportunity."  

Debi has embraced her volunteer role wholeheartedly. Debi supports families through every stage of the wish journey. She helps children imagine their wishes, provides encouraging wish boosts as the child waits for their wish, and organizes joyful send-offs or celebrations when the wish comes true. Additionally, Debi consistently works with both English and Spanish speaking wish families who need volunteers, helping to ensure that all wish kids have adequate volunteer support.

One of most memorable experiences Debi has had so far while volunteering with Make-A-Wish was with a child named Gael, who wished to have a beagle puppy. When asked why he wanted that, Gael said, “I want something I can love. Something that knows I love it and loves me back.” Debi recalled, adding that “That wrapped around my heart and stayed there.” 

Before Gael’s wish day, Debi arranged for the family to visit a pet store to gather supplies. While there, they were helped by a store employee who shared that he had also received a wish as a child.  

“He was the first alumni I met during my Make-A-Wish journey,” Debi said. “Now, I’m constantly running into people who either had a wish or knew someone who did. And they all sing its praises.” 

When it was finally time for the puppy to arrive, Debi worked with local firefighters to organize a special delivery. Inside the family’s apartment, Debi watched Gael meet his new puppy for the first time. “The smile on his face let me know that he had found the love he wanted to share so bad.”  

This is just one of many special moments Debi has helped create for her wish kids. By partnering with local businesses, restaurants, and first responders, Debi brings extra magic to every wish experience, with the support of her community behind her. Beyond the excitement this brings families throughout the wish journey, she invites new Wish Makers into the mission by involving them in her creative wish celebrations. 

When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Debi didn’t hesitate. “The smiles. From everyone. The wish kid. Their siblings. Their parents. The bakery that made special cupcakes. The donor who gave me a gift certificate. The fire department personnel who are happy to do something joyful instead of responding to disasters. The smiles from everyone.” 

Debi was recently recognized with the 2025 Wish Impact Award. The wish impact award is presented to a volunteer who consistently creates magical experiences for their wish children throughout their wish journey.