What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I have been involved with Make-A-Wish as a wish granter for almost four years now. I recently completed the training to participate in speaking opportunities as a Wish Ambassador. 

I love the aspect of being a wish granter because I have the opportunity to meet incredibly strong and resilient children and their families. The things they overcome are inspiring to me. 

I love public speaking, so when I learned about the Wish Ambassador opportunity, I knew this was directly up my alley. Having been a Wish Granter for almost four years, I have had the opportunity to capture incredible stories of adversity and strength to help me capture the attention of any audience.  Being an educator has also helped with that aspect!

How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
I learned about MAW back in 2006. I was a preschool teacher in Woodbury, MN and one of my students had his wish granted to be a Minnesota Wild for a day! It was so much fun to learn about this organization through his eyes. Through the years, I always paid close attention to Make-A-Wish, but never truly knew I could be involved. In 2017, my good friend reached out to me to see if I wanted to become a Wish Granter! I jumped at the idea and haven’t regretted it one bit. 

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish MN?
It will be four years this April!

What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
I have loved meeting these strong kids and family members. Their strength and resiliency are not only inspiring but refreshing. They’ve been through difficult times, but they don’t take life for granted.  They cherish each moment they have together.  They value family and friendships. During this time in our lives, our Global Pandemic, it is my MAW Families that have helped keep me humbled and balanced to seek joy in the simple pleasures of life.  Have to quarantine? Who cares – you have each other! Can’t go to a restaurant? Who cares – be creative and have a picnic together. Have to wear a mask? Who cares – we’re here, aren’t we! 

Above all, the most rewarding experience has been witnessing how my own children have grown through my volunteer work. I share what I’m doing with them, teach them about some of the illnesses and how strong these kids are. Some of our MAW Kids have no idea the impact they have on others!  When we, as volunteers, talk about them as superheroes, it’s true! They really are! They inspire more people: children, teens, parents, grandparents, etc…  I have seen my own children develop a sort of empathy that makes me so incredibly proud. I like to think I am raising future Wish Granters!

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew! 

If you live a busy life, like me, take time to appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. When you step back to appreciate the experience and learn along the way, you gain more knowledge and insight which makes you motivated and ready to help create lasting impressions in so many other lives! 

Reflect! Reflect on each phone call/zoom/meeting. Reflect on working with local businesses that have made some sort of a donation. Reflect on the entire experience. It will be the most humbling moment for you!

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
Let’s talk resiliency:

I am currently an elementary principal. Before this, I was a 6th grade ELA teacher in a small town in Southern MN. I had this spectacular class that holds the title of “THE BEST CLASS EVER”. Within this class was one particular student who had some severe health conditions. She did not let these conditions hold her back! She was grade accelerated and top of her class. She was and is a phenomenal dancer.

One particular Wednesday, I received my favorite email of the week: Wish Wednesday! I scrolled through the list, first checking locations. A wish popped up in my town – of course, I had to take it. I saw her name, her age, her condition. Could it be!? 

This particular child made a wish to attend the 2020 Olympics. On January 1, 2020, my wish-granting bestie and I received word her WISH WAS GRANTED! That was the most exciting visit to date.  Being able to tell this beautiful child she was headed to Japan.

I think we all know where this wish headed. The sadness of the global pandemic taking over and canceling these plans was heartbreaking; however, for being a young teen, witnessing her reaction, her resiliency was such a grounding and powerful experience. So much maturity and understanding in a young human. Think about how beautiful our world would be if everyone had the mindset and strength as our MAW children!