For Everk, volunteering isn't just about giving back – it's about showing up for families in a way that feels personal and familiar.

As a native Spanish speaker, Everk understands the comfort and trust that comes from being able to communicate in your first language. His ability to help others feel seen, heard and supported is why he volunteers his time to support Spanish-speaking wish families.

“For me, it's very important to speak my native language, especially to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses, because that's where there's a very big barrier,” Everk said. “Being able to listen from the heart, with cultural understanding and awareness, I believe that makes the wish experience even richer.”

Whether through making phone calls or simply listening to a wish parent share their story, Everk brings warmth and empathy to every interaction. “There's an immediate connection. Trust is built, and there's mutual understanding.”

Everk believes Spanish-speaking volunteers are essential to building trust and connection – especially in moments when wish families are navigating the uncertainty of their child's critical illness – and invites other Spanish speakers to become WishMakers as soon as possible.

“It's very important for someone bilingual to join an organization like Make-A-Wish,” Everk said. "Becoming a Make-A-Wish volunteer is super easy, super fun and truly rewarding."