From Volunteer to Friend: Chris and Alice’s Story
Chris has been an active Wish Granter from the moment he was referred to Make-A-Wish by his best friend, Shawn. Since his introduction in 2019, he has become a volunteer, joined the Young Professionals Program, and attends any event he can. Yet, through all his efforts, the impact of a wish didn't truly "click" until he became a wish-granting volunteer.
In 2021, Chris was asked to deliver a puppy named "Santa" to LaGuardia Airport for a wish family, and he’s been hooked ever since. “A wish powerfully connects everything that we do together. It’s been really important for me to stay a part of that,” said Chris.
A particularly impactful wish experience has been working with Alice, a 10-year-old girl who wants to swim in the ocean in Saint Lucia.
When Alice was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of four, doctors told her family she had a week to a month to live. Her family currently lives in Ireland but frequently flies to New York City for Alice to receive specialized treatment. "The parents were telling me that one day, they woke up and had two healthy girls. The next day, they woke up and they didn’t," explained Chris. "It could truly happen to anyone." Now 10, Alice has defied the odds and is healthy enough to travel for her wish!
When Chris first set up a call to meet Alice and her family, there was an instant connection. “I knew right away, like wow, this little girl is the best ever,” said Chris. He learned that Alice's wish is inspired by her love of water and animals. Due to her mediport from treatment, she hasn’t been able to swim at all. For her wish, she is looking forward to being able to swim in the ocean for the first time in years. “There is nothing better than watching a little kid get something back that they hadn’t been able to do. It’s a beautiful thing,” said Chris.
Alice’s family now treats Chris like their own, and he makes it a point to meet up with them when Alice is in town for treatment. One of their new favorite traditions is enjoying smoothies together after Alice gets out of the hospital. Her treatments often leave her with little appetite, but she always makes room for smoothie time with Chris. The last time he saw Alice, Chris gifted her a parrot stuffed animal, the national bird of Saint Lucia. Chris’ parents even got to meet Alice's sister and her parents during their most recent visit to Ireland!
For Chris, Alice is a source of inspiration. “If you met her, you would never know there was anything wrong,” said Chris. “Her positive energy and the whole wish experience are what give me belief that humanity is going to be okay. I hope my own children can be like her one day.”