What ways are you involved as a volunteer?

I volunteer primarily as a Wish Discovery volunteer, which I absolutely love because it allows me to be part of the entire journey. From that first meeting with the wish child and their family, to collaborating with my wish partner on monthly boosts, to organizing the final reveal or wish party – being engaged from start to finish makes each experience incredibly special and meaningful.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish?

While living in New Zealand, I first noticed Make-A-Wish’s and their mission and dreamed of working with the organization someday. After moving to the United States and facing visa limitations, I began volunteering with MAW, I loved that I could volunteer directly with wish children and their families. Every family I’ve met has been so inspiring – I’m currently working on wish number 22!

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish MN?

I’ve been volunteering for 12 years this fall! Funny enough, I was only supposed to be in Minnesota for about five years, but here I am!

What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?

It’s getting to know the wish children and witnessing their pure joy when we reveal their wish has been approved/revealed – nothing beats that moment! I’ve also loved meeting different people as wish partners over the years. Those connections have been such an unexpected bonus of this volunteer experience.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?

Ask lots of questions and familiarize yourself with age-appropriate interests before meeting your wish kid. Document everything! I recommend planning your boosts in a spreadsheet and taking photos to share with your wish partner in case you forget to log them.

Most importantly, be fully present and approach each family with deep empathy. My goal is to arrive at wish meetings 10 minutes early to get my mind in the right place beforehand. Life can be so busy and scattered, but these families deserve our complete attention and genuine connection with their wish granters.

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?

I recently celebrated a wish completion that perfectly captures why this work matters. Mads, now 20, attended a taping of The Stephen Colbert Show and met the legendary Stephen Colbert himself. We first met Mads during the COVID era when they were 17, struggling with their illness and its impact on both their mental health and school life.

Two years later, as Mads prepared for their New York wish trip, it was incredible to see them on the other side of treatment – thriving with an effective health management team and feeling really happy in life. The icing on the cake? Lin-Manuel Miranda happened to be a guest on the show that day, which was magic since seeing Hamilton had been another wish idea Mads had considered!

Over the two and a half years this wish was in the works, we formed a wonderful bond with the family. Meeting them at the airport after their New York flight and hearing all about their adventure was the perfect ending to an amazing journey.

This is what I love about Make-A-Wish - it’s not just about granting wishes, it’s about being able to bring hope and joy to families as they brave some of their toughest times.