I wish to have a recording studio
Jeremiah
18
lymphoma
Jeremiah's WishMakers
Meet Wish Kid Jeremiah
When Jeremiah first noticed a mass underneath his armpit, he didn’t think it would lead to a shocking diagnosis. As the pain worsened, Jeremiah was sent to the hospital for further elevation. After doctors conducted a biopsy, Jeremiah was diagnosed with cancer in February of 2023. Jeremiah began his treatment at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, where his body responded well to his cancer treatments. It was in the hospital where Jeremiah found out he was eligible for a wish.
“I was pretty excited when I heard I could receive a wish,” said Jeremiah.
Jeremiah has always liked music and shared his passion with his friends at school. His love for music grew, and he even started making his own music and getting his work produced in studios around Philadelphia. When discovering his wish, Jeremiah knew he wanted something that could help him grow his musical abilities for years to come.
Jeremiah wished for a recording studio to create music from at home. Working out of his private studio is something he is enjoying the process of navigating.
Today, 18-year-old Jeremiah is eight months cancer-free! Like music, Jeremiah's wish brought him hope and joy during a challenging time in his life. The journey may have been unexpected, but the gift of a wish is something Jeremiah is still grateful for to this day.
“I was very surprised when they first brought it upon me, especially going through everything I was going through and where I was at emotionally. It brought me up,” said Jeremiah.
Meet WishMaker Ed
Ed, CEO of EDA Contractors, is involved with Make-A-Wish as a donor, corporate supporter, and board member!
“I believe in Make-A-Wish’s mission to deliver hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most,” said Ed.
Through financial gifts, public awareness, and granting wishes, Ed and his team have played a big role in seeing wishes come to life.
“At EDA Contractors, we have an incredibly talented team of individuals who bring their compassion, kindness, and unique skills to each Make-A-Wish project,” said Ed. “As a construction company, we have been involved in rewarding projects including remodeling basements, building a treehouse, fulfilling a wish of a child to be a construction worker for the day, and constructing a greenhouse.”
For Ed, seeing the direct impact wishes have on children and their families is something he cherishes as a donor.
“You see the direct impact of your contribution. You can see it in the smiling faces of Make-A-Wish children and their families,” said Ed. “You feel the gratitude in their hearts when a wish comes true, and you are proud to have played a part in it.”
Ed describes his company’s involvement with Make-A-Wish as a gift, and is passionate about philanthropy and community involvement through the organization.
“Supporting Make-A-Wish has been a gift to EDA Contractors. Through EDA Cares, an initiative to give back to the community, EDA volunteers make a difference in the lives of others,” said Ed. “We build camaraderie with each other and the Make-A-Wish children and families. We feel fulfilled not only in the work we do, but in who we are as a community.”
Meet WishMaker Robin
Robin is an Oncology Social Worker at St. Christopher's Hospital and has been involved with connecting children to Make-A-Wish for over 30 years! Robin believes the wishes are vital to renewing hope for children facing critical illnesses.
“I think it’s essential because it gives families and kids hope,” said Robin. “I think if we didn’t do something like a wish, we wouldn’t be looking into the future.”
Robin sees firsthand the impact wishes have on kids, not only in the moment but years after their wishes are granted.
“I look at kids later on and they are able to say, ‘I did something fun’, instead of just remembering they were sick,” said Robin.
Robin advocates rallying behind families to provide them additional support during a challenging time.
“Treatment can cause a huge layer of isolation for the entire family unit, and especially the main caregiver taking the lead of bringing the child to the hospital for inpatient admissions and outpatient visits for treatment.,” said Robin. “A sense of community for caregivers can be empowering and therapeutic.”
Robin emphasizes the importance of a wish in bringing families together, restoring strength in children, and the joy it provides to entire communities involved in the journey.
“Make-A-Wish gives me hope,” Robin said.
Meet WishMaker Mikaela
Mikaela is a corporate supporter and a member of the Young Professionals Board at the chapter! She works for The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, who are currently selling a special Make-A-Wish Cookie for the month of April.
“Being involved with Make-A-Wish has changed my life in so many ways,” said Mikaela. “Seeing firsthand the impact that we can make on children's lives by granting their wishes is truly inspiring.”
The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company supports Make-A-Wish through donations, gifts, and special events throughout our region.
“The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company strives to give back to the community and organizations like Make-A-Wish,” shared Mikaela. “It's important to us to be able to help others, and we take pride in being WishMakers. We do more than make delicious cookies, which is why working for a company like Famous is so rewarding for our whole staff.”
This month, The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company customers can support Make-A-Wish by purchasing the limited edition S'mores Make-A-Wish Cookie! The cookie is available for purchase in-store and online and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish throughout the whole month.
Meet WishMaker Bonita
Bonita serves as a Wish Manager at the chapter! Her primary responsibilities are planning, managing, and executing wish experiences for children battling critical illnesses in the region!
Throughout her time with the organization, Bonita has been a part of countless wish experiences! However, one of her most memorable wishes was for Charlotte, who wished to have a Storybook Ball and have her guests dress as their favorite storybook characters!
“It was wonderful to see Charlotte having so much fun with her friends and family,” said Bonita. “ It was also great to see our Make-A-Wish staff in their costumes and supporting Charlotte’s wish.”
Bonita has an extraordinary impact on the chapter as a Wish Mom to daughter Laylani Rose, who the chapter's toy closet is dedicated in memory of. This September, Bonita was the recipient of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Change Maker award, which honors an individual who is leading the way for Make-A-Wish by advancing and promoting DEI within the organization and its communities.
“Everyone in our organization truly believes in our mission and works from the heart,” said Bonita.
Meet WishMaker Joe
Joe serves as the Director of Major Gifts at the chapter! In his role, Joe cultivates meaningful relationships and empowers donors to fulfill their philanthropic aspirations through Make-A-Wish.
Joe believes that the power of a wish has a transformative impact on children battling critical illnesses and on all those involved in the journey.
“A wish is more than just a fleeting moment of joy; it's a life-changing experience for children battling critical illnesses and their families,” said Joe. “Wishes have the remarkable ability to transcend the ordinary, making a profound impact on everyone involved.”
Joe encourages all donors to support the mission of the organization and help create memories that last a lifetime!
“By supporting Make-A-Wish, you have the power to change lives in ways you may never have imagined,” said Joe. “Your generosity can transform a child's world, bringing light into the darkest of days and creating memories that will be cherished forever.”
Joe cherishes his role in helping make the impossible possible for children and their families. He believes that a wish embodies hope and serves as a beacon of light during some of the darkest days.
“Make-A-Wish embodies hope in its purest form, offering light in the darkness for children facing critical illness,” said Joe.