Gladys' Alumni Story
Wish alumni Gladys and Mazie join other ambassadors in wishing it forward.
"It gave me hope and this level of joy knowing that everyone is rooting for me and wants me to be well."
Gladys was diagnosed with lupus at sixteen years old and by the time she found out she carried the autoimmune disease, her immune system had already been severely impacted. Her organs began to shut down as her body failed to fight off infections. During a hospital stay, a child life specialist referred her to Make-A-Wish. This was only the beginning of what became a life-long journey with the organization.
Following five months of treatment in the hospital, Gladys and her medical team found an optimal long-term treatment for her disease that would allow her to live life to the fullest. During that time, she talked with Make-A-Wish about her wish to meet R&B singer Omarion. Her wish was granted, and she enjoyed VIP backstage passes and tickets to his concert, an experience she still remembers to this day.
"Knowing I had this community to back me up gave me more reason to fight in my recovery.”
Gladys, wish granted 2006
autoimmune disease
Lasting Impact
Now and adult, Gladys completed her degrees and works as an aftercare program manager helping patients connect with resources needed to continue their recovery.
“My journey has helped cultivate my career choice. My passion for this field exists because of the support systems I had as a child, including Make-A-Wish,” Gladys said. Since her wish she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning two master's degrees. She is also the proud mom to a wonderful 7-year-old boy. She aims to provide the level of compassion and understanding she received from Make-A-Wish in all areas of her life.
Gladys has also been an active volunteer with Make-A-Wish Illinois since 2008. As a wish granter and event volunteer, she continues to share the power of a wish with families and supporters.
“Because my experience was so amazing, I wanted to help as someone who has been through the same thing. As a former wish child, it adds a personal touch and level of compassion. That light for me now is giving back to other families and being that life-changer.”