Like so many of us, Valerie found herself longing for connection after the pandemic. The social interactions she’d always leaned on had been uprooted. Scrolling through a volunteer website one day, searching for a new way to connect with others, she spotted an opportunity to get involved with Make-A-Wish, and suddenly things changed.

Valerie didn’t hesitate to sign up. It has now been over a year since she joined, and Valerie has been involved in granting 10 wishes, and touching the lives of dozens more families. What started as a search for community became a calling. 

At the beginning of her journey, Valerie started with wish celebration events. She was paired with Kelly, an experienced volunteer who had been volunteering for 25 years, and they planned parties to help families celebrate their upcoming wishes. Valerie learned a lot from Kelly and was very grateful to have her as a mentor. Kelly was always there to answer any questions and teach Valerie all the important aspects of being a Make-A-Wish volunteer. 

After spending some time as a wish celebration volunteer, Valerie began wish discovery volunteering, an area she particularly excelled in. As a wish discovery volunteer, Valerie helps children uncover their deepest wish. Now, she has helped to identify the wishes of more than 100 children. 

While Valerie loves bringing happiness and hope to every child she works with, she also enjoys interacting with their parents as well. “I didn’t expect how much you’re there for the parents; parents have the reality. It feels good for them to talk to someone and explain what's going on or what they want their child to experience.” 

Early in her volunteering journey, Valerie was questioning why some families chose a vacation versus another type of wish. She spoke with the father of a child whose family had just decided on a trip. “He said, he just wanted one week for his kid to feel like a normal kid, and he’s not going to be able to afford a vacation like this ever.” This moment changed Valeries' perspective. She realized it’s not about the destination, the gift, or the experience itself. Rather, it is the meaningful memories that make the biggest impact. 

During National Volunteer Week, Valerie was recognized with the Rising Star Award, presented by Make-A-WIsh Illinois to a volunteer with under two years in a given volunteer role who demonstrates a high level of engagement, dedication, and impact. 

Valeries time as a Make-A-Wish volunteer has taught her to value the little things. Her experience has been incredibly fulfilling and inspiring, and she looks forward to continuing her time with the organization.