What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
With Make-A-Wish Minnesota, I serve as a wish granter, airport greeter, and assist with events like the Wish Ball.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish? 
A co-worker of mine at Delta showed me a promo video that her son produced for Make-A-Wish that had recently won an Emmy. It was the story of Charlie Huizinga, who wanted to suit up and play catch with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. As a mother to an 8-year-old who is also fanatical over the Vikings, I couldn’t help but feel with and for Charlie and his family. After watching the promo, I immediately went online to see how I could be part of this amazing organization.

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
I am still in my first year volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota. I hope to be part of the volunteer family for the rest of my life!

What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
Every time I meet a new wish child, I am overwhelmed with an incredible sense of joy. These children possess the most remarkable spirits, radiating positivity and hope in ways that are truly inspiring. They embody the very best of humanity. Additionally, connecting with the families of these incredible children has been profoundly rewarding. Often, we think of a wish as a gift solely for the child, but in reality, it's a blessing for the entire family. As parents, our greatest desire is to shield our children from suffering. Witnessing the resilience and strength these families display during unimaginable challenges is deeply moving. They express immense gratitude when their child's wish is granted, acknowledging the journey they've all endured together. Working alongside other volunteers has also been a highlight of my experience. I've learned invaluable lessons from each volunteer and wish granter, some of whom have dedicated over a decade to the cause. Their passion and commitment to serving others are evident and truly encapsulate the spirit of our work! This journey has been an enriching experience, reminding me daily of the strength and goodness found in the human spirit.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Be open to learning new things! You can learn so much from the experienced volunteers, but also from the wish kids and their parents. Keep a servant heart and mindset in everything you do, and it comes back to you in the most beautiful ways!

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
This whole experience really hit home for me: even the smallest things can make a huge difference. I recently had the chance to be an airport greeter for a family heading to Hawaii on a Make-A-Wish trip. It was my first time doing something like this, and honestly, I was a bit nervous. A couple of days before their trip, I called the parents to introduce myself and share some tips for getting around the airport easily. I ended the call by giving them my number, just in case they needed anything. I’m so glad I did that! In the middle of the night, right before their trip, the mom called me—panicked because their flight got delayed and they were going to miss their connection to Hawaii. I quickly got on the phone with the airline and managed to switch them to a direct flight from Minneapolis. This not only cut down their travel time by four hours but also gave them extra time to enjoy in Hawaii! I was also able to get them into the Delta SkyClub (because I am a Delta airlines employee) so they could relax a bit before their long flight. They ended up having an amazing time in Hawaii and were so kind and gracious. It was such a great reminder of why I started volunteering with Make-A-Wish in the first place. We really can make a big impact in someone’s life with just a little effort. I’m so grateful to be part of such an amazing organization!