Volunteer Spotlight: Teresa H.
What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I am a wish granter, I occasionally volunteer in the office, and I compile the Wish Wednesday newsletter every week.
How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
I would say Make-A-Wish found me (and my family). After my son’s third hospital stay in a year, a friend who was a volunteer with Make-A-Wish called and suggested we apply for a wish. My son was granted a wish in 2014.
How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish MN?
I have been volunteering for Make-A-Wish for two and a half years.
What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
The most rewarding and fun experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish has been surprising kids at their wish reveals. The look on their faces is priceless!
What advice would you give to new volunteers?
My advice to volunteers and wish granters, in particular, is to listen to your heart. When you’re looking through the list of wish kids and you keep being drawn to one, in particular, sign up! When you see something in your daily life and it makes you stop and think about your wish kid, send them a note and tell them about it!
What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
As a mom of a wish kid, I can tell you first hand, that wishes make a difference. When you have a sick child, you become so wrapped up with taking care of your child and just getting through the day that you forget to have fun sometimes and, more importantly, that it’s OKAY to have fun between the yucky days, the doctor appointments and the hospital stays.
Make-A-Wish reminded my family to have fun, dream big, and enjoy every moment. My son was granted a travel wish and through his wish, I saw him realize he can go anyplace he wants to go; he can do anything he wants to do, and he can be anything he wants to be. As a volunteer for Make-A-Wish, you can positively impact a child’s life in a significant and meaningful way. It is the best and most rewarding volunteer experience ever!