1. What ways are you involved as a volunteer?

Primarily I have been an Airport Greeter and am in the Speakers Bureau.

2. How did you first find Make-A-Wish?

Before I retired, I was a Train Dispatcher for the railroad. A Wish Kid wanted to be a train engineer so I had to dispatch the extra train they operated for the Wish Kid and his family. Interesting thing was that the Wish Kid sat up in the engine and learned where the whistle control was and you heard a lot of whistle as he travelled with his family and friends who were in the passenger cars behind the engine. I am sure some communities had to wonder what was going on.

3. How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish MN?

About 10 years.

4. What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?

Being an Airport Greeter, this is a happy day for the Wish Kid and for the whole family. They have gone through a lot of tough medical issues along the way, but this is happy and very special event. It is a distraction from the past. And I get to share the start of the Wish with them.

5. What advice would you give to new volunteers?

Give it a try. There are so many opportunities and you can volunteer to fit your schedule.

6. What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?

One day at the airport with my Wish Family, a young girl came up to me and said you know I was a Wish Kid too! And now she was graduating from college in a few weeks. She then took the time and sat down with the Wish Kid as they shared stories and talked about their shared Wish of Disney World. The two sitting together was very touching. 

Also when you learn about all that goes into the planning of a wish, especially from the Wish Granters and Wish Coordinators, you will be amazed at what makes a wish truly successful. Basically, everything is taken of care for the family. And you as a volunteer can now be part of the Make-A-Wish story.