An otherwise typical pre-teen, Tonisha liked being with her family and friends, watching movies and shopping. When she was in eighth grade, Tonisha and her family began to suspect something was amiss with her health. They first noticed puzzling changes in her skin, and then she was troubled by a swollen abdomen. Doctors determined she had stage 4 cirrhosis requiring a liver transplant. 

While she was waiting for her liver, Tonisha went back to school and kept living life, punctuated by doctor appointments, as best as possible. She also got involved in advocacy for organ donation. Around that time, she also learned she qualified for Make-A-Wish.

Tonisha’s wish was inspired by one of her favorite movies, “Clueless”, a film featuring very fashionable teens that was hugely popular throughout her tween years. Tonisha wished for a shopping spree at the Mall of America, the most famous and largest shopping mall in the United States at the time.
She remembers how exciting it was to be able to shop for the latest clothes and accessories. And travelling with her family was a wonderful way to keep her mind off waiting for a new liver. 

“It came at the absolute best time of my life,” Tonisha said. “I was going through a tough transition, and it allowed me to feel normal again.”

The Lasting Impact of a Wish

Shortly after Tonisha’s wish was granted, she received her transplant. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, she recovered well and has been thriving ever since.
One of her first jobs was with Make-A-Wish Illinois as a volunteer coordinator. She also became a wish granting volunteer and later, an active member in the alumni community. Now the mom of two and a successful professional in both nonprofit management and real estate, Tonisha continues to find value in staying connected to the organization.

“Make-A-Wish always held a special place in my heart,” Tonisha said. “I want to wish it forward.”

She knows firsthand how important a wish experience can be to a child who is moving through difficult and uncertain medical issues. Altruistic at heart, Tonisha continues to share her story to inspire others to become involved in helping wishes come true. 

“It’s healing for the soul,” she said about why wishes are important. “It’s healing for the family.”