Make-A-Wish Iowa granted 4-year-old Vivian Gomez's wish to become a mermaid and swim in the ocean on Wednesday, fulfilling her lifelong dream. Vivian really loves mermaids and has never been to the ocean, so "this was the perfect wish for her," Cassidy Gomez said.

Starting this year, the Gerdin Charitable Foundation has pledged a $700,000 annual match on donations made to Make-A-Wish Iowa for the next five years to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. The gift totals “an extraordinary” $3.5 million, the largest pledge ever made in Make-A-Wish Iowa's 39-year history, the nonprofit said in a news release this week.

Make-A-Wish Iowa Welcomes Seven New Board Members, Expanding Leadership to Support Wish Families Statewide