My Journey with Make-A-Wish: A Personal Mission
By Stephanie Drzymala, Manager, Volunteer and Wish Relationships
Working at Make-A-Wish has been more than a job for me—it’s a personal mission. My nephew, Gavin, has a rare genetic disorder, and along with that, he’s deaf, non-verbal, and autistic. His early years were incredibly hard, with endless hospital stays and sleepless nights for the family. He spent months in the NICU, and it felt like every day brought new health challenges. Something as simple as a cold could mean another emergency room visit, and for months, we lived in constant fear. But as Gavin grew older, things started to improve. Now, at 10 years old, he’s doing much better. Despite what doctors told us, he continues to amaze me every day. To me, he’s a hero.
The Wish That Gave Us Hope
When Gavin’s wish for a sensory room was granted, it was a turning point for our family. I’ll never forget the day my sister told me he was going to get it. It wasn’t just Gavin who needed that space—we all needed the hope that came with it. After what felt like years of not catching a break, this wish was a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. The volunteers who came to install everything were so kind, and seeing Gavin interact with his new room was heartwarming. His favorite part? The swing! He practically lives on it, and even though he’s moved from that original house, the items from his wish are still a huge part of his life.
Why I Joined Make-A-Wish
I found my way to Make-A-Wish through a friend who sent me a job listing and said, “This job was made for you.” When I read the description, I knew I had to be a part of this incredible organization. Gavin’s journey and his wish experience impacted me in so many ways. The thought of connecting with other families who’ve gone through similar struggles really motivated me. I like to think of my ability to relate to these families as my superpower. I understand the sleepless nights, the surgeries that come out of nowhere, and the constant tests and treatments. Being able to turn a difficult time in my own life into something that can help others is what drew me here.
Building Bonds and Giving Support
Now that I’m part of the Make-A-Wish team, supporting other families and helping make wishes come true feels incredibly rewarding. In my role in Wish Relationships, I get to connect with families from the very beginning. My favorite part is building a lasting bond with them, showing them that we’re not just here for the wish itself but for their whole journey. I love sending milestone gifts to celebrate medical achievements or special occasions, just to remind them that we’re always in their corner. Having that support when my family was going through tough times meant the world to us, and I hope to give that same sense of care and community to the families I work with.
Goals for the Future: Representation and Connection
Since joining Make-A-Wish, I’ve already accomplished some of the goals I set for myself. But one of my biggest dreams is to expand our reach in the community, especially within BIPOC families and volunteers. Representation matters, and it’s important to me that our volunteers and families can connect on both cultural and linguistic levels. Navigating the medical world is already hard, and it’s even harder when there’s a language barrier. Being able to offer support in someone’s native language can make a world of difference. As someone who’s experienced the challenges of working with people who don’t share the same lived experiences, I see how important it is for families to feel understood.
Why It Matters to Me
Bringing more diversity to Make-A-Wish is not just important for the families, but for me as well. Sometimes I find myself wanting to connect with families in ways that go beyond language barriers. Even being able to speak Spanish when I can’t quite find the right words in English would make a difference. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and understood. As I’ve grown more self-aware, I’ve realized how much representation means to me, even as an adult. It’s a vital part of the work I do and the relationships I build with the families I serve.
For Anyone Hesitant to Get Involved—Take the Leap
If I could say anything to someone who’s on the fence about getting involved with Make-A-Wish, it would be this: Just do it. Take the leap and make a difference, not just in a child’s life, but in their family’s life too. This opportunity is unlike any other. You’re not just giving back to one person—you’re supporting an entire community. And for those who feel like they might struggle with the emotional side of it, there’s still a place for you here. There are so many ways to support Make-A-Wish families from behind the scenes. Step out of your comfort zone and help us increase the power of a wish.