For Savitha Sithartha, volunteering with Make-A-Wish is deeply personal. As an aspiring physician who hopes to work with children, Savitha was drawn to Make-A-Wish as a way to make a difference in young lives right now. “I’m working toward a career in medicine and would love to work with kids,” she shared. “Until then, I wanted to do something impactful, and helping kids dream up their biggest wishes felt like the most powerful way to do that.” 

Savitha volunteers as a wish granter, meeting with wish kids and their families over video calls to learn more about their interests, passions, and dreams. These conversations help shape the perfect wish experience, and for Savitha, they are often the most meaningful part. “I like to think of the wish as a joyful pause from everything else a child may be going through,” she said. “Seeing their eyes light up when we start talking about their ideas is an incredible moment. It’s not just about the wish, it’s about making them feel supported and celebrated.” 

One of her most heartwarming memories came after a wish was granted. “I received a video of a young girl singing ‘Golden’ from KPop Demon Hunters. She was just glowing with happiness,” Savitha recalled. “And there was a little boy grinning from ear to ear, holding all the plushies and pool toys he received for his backyard pool wish. You could really see their joy and personalities come to life.” 

Savitha goes the extra mile to make every child feel special. She sometimes sends a small gift after the initial meeting; just a little surprise to brighten their day. “It’s such a privilege to be part of something that gives a child hope and excitement. Plus, I’ve met some truly wonderful people along the way,” she said. 

For Savitha, volunteering has also shaped how she sees her future in medicine. “Make-A-Wish has given me a new perspective,” she shared. “It’s shown me how important it is to care for the whole person, not just the illness. Planning a wish takes months, and it brings people together in the most beautiful way to create something unforgettable.” 

The small but powerful moments of connection help keep her motivated. “I love when a child shows me their crayon drawings of their wish or when their whole face lights up talking about something they love,” she said. “And for the parents, they have someone in their corner for a little extra support in creating a memorable experience for the family. It’s a true team effort. There’s so much collaboration behind the scenes, and you’re never doing it alone. You always have support, and it’s amazing to see how everyone comes together to make a child’s dream come true.”  

When asked what she wishes more people knew about wish granting, Savitha didn’t hesitate: “Even just a small moment of your time can leave a lasting impression,” she said. “It’s incredibly special to be part of something a child, and their family, might remember for the rest of their lives.”