Meet wish mom and volunteer, Chantelle! Her daughter Maria received her wish to go to Hawaii to swim with dolphins and mermaids in 2019. Maria was diagnosed with leukemia and spent 3 years of treatment plagued with fear and uncertainty. Most of her and her family’s time was occupied with doctor appointments and staying healthy, which meant isolating themselves from friends and family. Because of this, Maria’s wish had a huge impact on both her and her family, and it allowed them to “forget about everything else for a week and just have fun and enjoy each other’s company,” said Chantelle. 

Chantelle’s favorite memory from the wish was watching Maria swim with mermaid Serenity. Maria was so excited and amazed by Serenity and that was the first time she swam without the help of floaties. 

“After the experience I realized what an impact wishes have on both patients and their families and signed up soon afterwards. I was excited to give back to Make-A-Wish for what they have done for our family,” said Chantelle. 

Chantelle currently volunteers as a wish granter, but she has also served as a Speakers’ Bureau volunteer. To her, the most rewarding part of volunteering with Make-A-Wish is seeing the child and their families smile. She states, “Most of these kids haven’t had a lot of reasons to smile and it’s an awesome feeling to see them take a moment to enjoy themselves.” 

As a wish mom who has witnessed the difficulties of a medical journey through her daughter, Chantelle would share this inspirational message: “You may not have chosen the battle you’re facing — but you are stronger than you know. Inside you is a kind of courage that even grown-ups look up to. Every hospital visit, every hard day, every moment you keep going… that’s bravery in its purest form.” 

Thank you so much, Chantelle, for the ways you bring hope, joy, and smiles to the families you serve!