What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I am a wish granter and I currently am working on wishes with both Minnesota and North Dakota chapters.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish? 
I first heard about Make-A-Wish during a small business networking event that I attended with a friend. I have always loved volunteering and after talking with the Volunteer Coordinator for Make-A-Wish North Dakota I haven’t looked back.

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota?
I have been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota for about 3 years, and about a year before that I had started volunteering with Make-A-Wish North Dakota. I still volunteer for both as I live so close to the state borders.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
The most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing how excited the kids get when thinking about and describing their wishes. I have gotten the chance to meet some really awesome and resilient kids and families, and their excitement is really what makes me want to continue. I also love being able to think of creative ways to keep their excitement going with incentives as they wait for their wishes to come true.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
I would suggest doing your first wish with someone who has done a few before. It’s really great getting different partners for each wish because everyone has different levels of experience, and some even have a history of receiving or knowing someone who has received a wish before too. All the different insight makes each wish unique and fun to work on.

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
The first wish I ever did was with a little girl who was non-verbal. I was a little nervous because it was my first wish and I didn’t know what to expect. I was partnered with a veteran wish granter and she helped make the process go very smoothly. The little girl was the happiest, sweetest and friendliest little person I had ever met. She was so happy to get her wish granted for a dance room in her home. I was able to help see the wish from start to finish, including putting all of the furniture together as a big team, decorating everything in pink, and see her reaction with the wish. I loved all of it!! I will never forget her and the process. It made a difference and provided a bright spot in the family’s life as well.