Meet Wish Kid Addison

When Addison’s parents brought her and her twin brother home from the hospital in 2020, both babies were seemingly healthy. However, when Addison was just eight days old, her family found a lump on the back of her head. Addison was referred to a specialist who then referred her to a doctor at Penn State Health. Doctors did a biopsy when Addison was five months old and discovered it was a rare desmoid tumors and Addison would need to undergo treatment. With new lumps emerging and quickly growing, Addison began oral chemotherapy at six months old. 

However, when an MRI detected a tumor close to Addison’s carotid artery that was unresponsive to oral chemotherapy, Addison required a port. When the tumor was still unresponsive to treatment, Addison underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The procedure was a success and Addison finished all remaining chemotherapy treatments to ensure all the tumors were gone in 2022. 

During her medical journey, Adriann, Addison’s mom, learned that Addison was eligible for a wish through their social worker. Addison, who loves all things princesses, unicorns, and dresses, went to Walt Disney World for her wish where she met princesses like Jasmine and Ariel. Her favorite part of the trip was the Castles of Miracles at the Give Kids The World Village.

“Make-A-Wish does great, amazing things for all of these kids and families that are going through terrible things, so to grant some wishes for kids who shouldn’t have to go through these things is amazing,” said Adriann. 

Today, Addison is a strong and happy 3-year-old girl! Adriann remembers how special the trip was during a challenging time and is grateful to the organization for the joy and hope it gave to her family.    

“I think going to Disney as a wish kid is obviously like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The people that are all there and part of your wish both at Disney and Give Kids the World are doing everything that they can to make you feel special and make your life easier after you've been through something so hard. I can't thank Make A Wish enough for that,” said Adriann.  

Meet WishMakers Lawrence, Andrea, Andrew & Audrey

Lawrence and Andrea, along with their children Andrew and Aubrey, have supported Make-A-Wish as donors! As physicians, helping others is ingrained in who Lawrence and Andrea are. For them, instilling the values of philanthropy has always been part of their family values. 

“It is very important for us to share this passion with our children and to plant the seeds of philanthropy and service at a young age,” said Lawrence and Andrea. “Make-A-Wish allows our family the special opportunity to help chronically ill children in our immediate community.”

For the family, the opportunity to witness the deep impact of the organization on children and their entire families has been one of the most rewarding parts of their involvement. 

“Having the opportunity to see first-hand the wonder and pure happiness on the faces of the children and their families at a Wish Day Ceremony is indescribable,” said Lawrence and Andrea. “In that moment, you have a very real understanding of how one child's critical illness impacts them as an individual, their siblings, their parents, their extended family, and their community.”

Lawrence and Andrea cherish the opportunity to involve their family in making a difference in the lives of children, with the profound knowledge that the children they are supporting could be someone close to home. 

“In giving to Make-A-Wish, you quickly realize that one of these kids could be from your children's school, neighborhood, or sports team,” said Lawrence and Andrea. “Their stories are real and relatable. When you donate, many times you feel like you are donating to someone you already know.”

Lawrence and Andrea’s involvement with Make-A-Wish has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding to be a part of as a family. They are moved and fueled by the journeys of wish kids and continue to do their part through gifts and volunteerism to grant wishes for every eligible child. 

“As Wish Makers, we are inspired by the wish kids’ stories, struggles, and victories,” said Lawrence and Andrea. “By working closely with our dedicated local Make-A-Wish team, we have had the opportunity to create a little bit of magic and shine light and positivity on the wish kids. The experience is life-changing for them and similarly, it has been life-changing for us.”

Meet WishMaker Ann

Ann serves as the Development Director for the Harrisburg area and is responsible for bringing awareness to Make-A-Wish and raising the necessary funds to grant wishes to critically ill children in the Susquehanna Valley!

Throughout her time at the chapter, Ann has had the privilege to be a part of many memorable wishes! The first wish child that Ann worked with from his initial wish discovery through his trip to Hawaii still holds a special place in her heart today. 

“He has now become a very special friend of mine, a spokesperson at many of our events, a fundraiser, and an inspiring advocate for our chapter at the young age of 12,” said Ann. “My interactions with him continually remind me of the importance and impact a wish can make on a child’s healing journey.”

Ann is passionate about the fulfilling work she does to help children through nonprofit work and the relationships she has built. Each day, she is inspired by the stories of wish kids and providing hope to families along their journeys. 

“I enjoy working for an organization that provides hope and healing when it is needed most,” said Ann. “I have met many beautiful families and people on my journey here at Make-A-Wish and look forward to what each day will bring.”