Meet Our New Board Chair - Emma Fine
As a wish-granting volunteer she has granted 25 wishes, serving kids and families from across our community. She has served as Co-Chair of the chapter’s Women’s Council, and has served as a member of the Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York Board of Directors. And, she has recently been named as Board Chair of our chapter, a position she says she’s thrilled to take on.
“It’s an honor to lead this wonderful Board of wish parents, wish siblings, wish volunteers and professionals that understand the power of a wish,” Emma said. “Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, the opportunities to make a difference and grant more wishes in a post pandemic world are truly exciting.”
The role of the board chair is to lead the board in governing oversight and fundraising activities that develop and sustain excellence of fulfilling the mission. The board chair is our senior volunteer leader, who creates and maintains a spirit of unity among diverse members of the board. Emma will collaborate with the chief executive officer and board members to ensure continuity and advancement of the mission, adherence to Make-A-Wish Governing Policies, Performance Standards and Guidelines, chapter policies, applicable federal/state laws and high ethical standards.
Emma’s inspiration for becoming such a passionate supporter came from a very personal place: her own experience with a critical illness. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015 and has undergone two craniotomies and a seemingly endless array of testing and treatments. She knows that she is one of the lucky ones, with an incredibly supportive family, friends who have always been eager to help, and wonderful healthcare.
While still in treatment she attended a Make-A-Wish event in New York with her friend, celebrity photographer and wish-granter Nigel Barker. The mission resonated with her and she knew it was an organization she wanted to help.
“I immediately related to the healing aspect of having something happy to look forward to. It’s important to have something to distract you and take your mind off the immense worry and stress of the illness,” said Emma. “For these children, a wish isn’t just a nice, heartwarming experience. It’s a necessity that gives them the stamina to face their illness and fight it.”
Her role as a wish granter is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things she has ever done. “It’s always thrilling to get the incredible photos wish families send and to see the smiles on the faces of their parents. They are so grateful for the chance to step away from their stress and make amazing memories.”
We asked Emma what advice she would give to those who want to make an impact on the world.
“That’s simple. Always be kind. You can always make someone’s day better with kindness. When you open your heart and help someone else, you are making a huge difference in the world.”
Thank you, Emma, for all you do. You are making a difference every day.