Make-A-Wish Wyoming is celebrating and recognizing the incredible efforts of Jennifer Aksamit of Sheridan, a long-standing volunteer who has reached an impressive 20-year milestone of making wishes come true.

Though a Sheridan, Wyoming native, Jennifer actually began her Make-A-Wish volunteering journey in 2003 while living in Dallas, Texas before moving back to Wyoming after a brief stay in Montana as well. While in Dallas, Jennifer was searching for an organization to get involved with, not knowing much about Make-A-Wish at the time. While she didn’t know much about Make-A-Wish, Jennifer knew she wanted to volunteer for an organization that transforms lives. So, with little knowledge, but a lot of heart, she reached out to see what volunteer opportunities they had available.

“I opted for a wish granter opportunity, along with anything else they needed help with and here I am 20 years later. Choosing Make-A-Wish to volunteer for was the best organization I could have chosen,” says Jennifer

Since then, Jennifer has volunteered on countless wishes, including ones to go to Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise, Legoland, and a wish to have a bat cave playhouse. She has also volunteered for several Make-A-Wish chapters including Texas, Montana, and, of course, Wyoming.

When asked what her favorite part of being a volunteer is, Jennifer couldn’t choose just one aspect and loves volunteering for Make-A-Wish Wyoming as a whole. However, some of the most meaningful experiences that come from volunteering include meeting the children and seeing the joy in their smiles and the wonder in their eyes. Jennifer finds much of the excitement comes when talking about wishes before the child’s wish is even granted. For Jennifer, the best part are all the wish kids who are strong beyond measure and the truest inspiration.

In her 20 years as a volunteer, Jennifer has been made more aware of the joy that can be found in each day. Jennifer has watched children who have critical conditions live life with such positivity, optimism, and sunshine in their souls.

“We can all learn a lot about the beauty of life from these amazing kids. All of the wishes I have been a part of have been special and memorable for me, thanks to these kids,” says Jennifer.

Volunteering has been one of the best decisions Jennifer has ever made. Not only do volunteers get the best hugs from grateful wish kids and their families (a true perk), but volunteering has impacts in ways you can’t describe and can only be found from this experience.

“Volunteering with this organization is life changing for everyone involved. I have no words to describe my experience as a Make-A-Wish Wyoming volunteer. It is the most amazing, humbling, beautiful, and life changing experience. It’s something you have to experience on your own to fully grasp the magnitude of the impact it has on you,” says Jennifer.

Make-A-Wish Wyoming volunteers are essential to making wishes for kids with critical illnesses come true. You can help grant life-changing wishes right here in your community and experience the lasting impacts that Jennifer describes. If you are interested in volunteering visit https://wish.org/wyoming/volunteer.