^{Guest article written by Forest Bennet, nurse practitioner at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital}

I love the human connection in healthcare. That’s what drew me to it at the deepest level. Having great connections with my patients and their families, listening to them as they share with me because they trust me, is a true joy and an honor.

One of the topics I love to hear about most is their wish journey. A wish mom once told me that her son was like Kintsugi art – imperfect but made perfect through all the care and mending he received from his medical team and through his wish experience.

I appreciate that I can offer a wish as part of my care.

A wish affords a child a unique opportunity to be seen, supported and celebrated. It also helps the family to cope. Families often grieve the loss of normalcy when their kids have life-long injuries or illnesses that impact the quality of life.

That’s why I’m grateful for Make-A-Wish. It gives everyone the opportunity to grow, to deepen their community connections and compassion.