Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada volunteer Andrea Hadhazy has never shied away from a job. From her years as a marketing executive in New York City to her current job as a voiceover actor, Andrea has worn many hats professionally. What has never changed, however, is her willingness to help others.

“I’m a transformation junkie,” Andrea confesses. “I love seeing that moment when something or someone shifts.” 

Having participated in the annual Walk For Wishes® event in both New York City and Las Vegas, what sparked Andrea’s passion for the Make-A-Wish mission was having the opportunity to witness her friend’s son being granted his wish to go to Walt Disney World in 2012.

“You feel like the center of the universe, whether you’re the wish child or a part of the family,” Andrea recalls. “Having the opportunity to give that experience to other people, where they feel like they’re a red-carpet celebrity, is just phenomenal.” 

Two years later, Andrea was going through her emails and noticed one from Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada calling for new volunteers. She knew in that moment she had to attend a volunteer orientation to learn more.  

“It was as simple as that. Every decision I’ve made in my life that has been significant was me saying ‘yes’ on a whim,” says Andrea. “I didn’t know being a volunteer would be so involved and that there are so many roles you could be.”  

Now, Andrea has remained one of the chapter’s seasoned wish discovery volunteers for over six years, having helped countless children determine their heartfelt wishes, from wanting to stay in a cabin in Alaska to meeting their celebrity idols.  

Andrea is now taking her role one step further as Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada’s first volunteer to accept the Trailblaze Challenge, a 25-mile hike and fundraiser taking place in Valley of Fire in February 2022. 

“It’s going to be a lot of work, but at the same time it’s going to be awesome!” 

While looking back on her favorite moments as a volunteer, Andrea shares that she tells everyone she meets to be involved with Make-A-Wish in any way they can. Although she feels the pandemic has made many realize that life can be uncertain, Andrea urges all of us to “not wait anymore for something you want to do.” 

If you are interested in joining Andrea as a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, please sign-up for an upcoming volunteer orientation or view our current opportunities here.