With Our Best
SUMMER 2019
Forrest, who wished to be a chef, named 10,000th wish kid
I wish to be a chef Forrest, 5 acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Wish kid Forrest knows more about cooking at the age of five than many adults. Even so, his parents Bo and Nicole were surprised when he wished to be a chef following a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. As he battled his critical illness, including painful ulcers that formed in his mouth that made it difficult to eat, Forrest never wavered in his love for cooking. "Even in the times when the chemo destroyed his taste buds and he could taste nothing or everything tasted terrible, he still enjoyed the activity of cooking," Bo said. Forrest’s wish journey was filled with a range of custom cooking experiences with top notch chefs. From serving lunch on YoChef’s Mobile Gourmet with chef and wish dad Joseff to learning how to make chocolate gelato with chefs at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel to cooking pizza with Jenna at Amore Trattoria Italiana, Forrest had many opportunities to hone his cooking craft. He even spent a day at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College where he was awarded a new chef’s jacket and prepared a Mexican feast. His journey exemplifies the life-changing impact of a community coming together to turn a child’s dream into reality and provide hope, strength and transformation not just for the wish child, but the entire family. “That is where an organization like Make-A-Wish comes in and they are exactly what not only your child needs but what you need as well,” Nicole said. ”They just give that life-giving boost.” Make-A-Wish Michigan named Chef Forrest the organization's 10,000th wish kid at Wish Ball - West Michigan in May. To watch a video detailing Forrest's medical journey, please visit michigan.wish.org/forrest.
FY 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Celebrate our 35th anniversary by joining us at one of our upcoming signature events.
A note from the Board Chairman & CEO
Dear Make-A-Wish Friends, This is an exciting year for Make-A-Wish® Michigan as we celebrate 35 years of making wishes come true for courageous Michigan children battling critical illnesses. It’s because of amazing volunteers, donors, corporate friends and community supporters that more than 10,000 children in our state have experienced the transformational power of a wish. It was truly delightful to witness Forrest’s journey to be a chef this spring, culminating in him being named the 10,000th wish kid for Make-A-Wish Michigan. His wish represents the strength and joy that a family experiences when a community comes together to turn dreams into reality. As we look ahead to the future, there are more children like Forrest who are in need of a wish come true. Last year we granted 459 wishes, while at the same time we received 705 referrals. And we know that this year alone more than 800 Michigan children will be newly diagnosed with a critical illness. It is vital that we continue to drive forward together to ensure that we are reaching more children with the power of a wish in their lives. Donations large and small – all make a big difference. It truly is the support of caring individuals, family foundations, school-aged kids, corporate friends – that make these wishes possible. We invite you to celebrate our 35th anniversary by joining us for one of our upcoming summer events, including our 32nd Annual WishA-Mile® Bicycle Tour July 25-28, Trailblaze Challenge September 6-8, and Walk For Wishes® – West Michigan on September 14. And we’re looking forward to our Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center on Oct. 12 with co- chairs Chris and Jennifer Granger. More information on these events and volunteer opportunities are available at michigan.wish.org. On behalf of the Make-A-Wish Michigan staff team and volunteer Board of Directors, thank you for your tremendous support and all that you do to create life-changing wishes for children in our community. With gratitude,
Ken Stanecki Board Chairman
Karen Davis President & CEO
Chairman Kenneth Stanecki Chief Financial Officer TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants Vice Chair Julie Booth Chief Financial Officer Quicken Loans
Treasurer Cindy VanGelderen Chairperson, Aquinas College Accounting Department Secretary Mike Lomonaco Chief Development & Community Engagement Officer John Ball Zoo
BOARD MEMBERS Jason Beauch Vice President – Pharmacy Meijer, Inc. Dirk Bloemendaal Managing Counsel, Corporate Government Affairs Amway Corporation Daniel Cobb Chief Executive Officer Daniel Brian Advertising Donna Doleman Dickerson Chief Marketing Officer GreenPath Financial Wellness Arlen–Dean Gaddy Director of Market Strategy Erhardt Construction Sue Jandernoa Community Volunteer Gary Steven Jonna Founder and President Whitehall Real Estate Interests Tina Kanis Community Volunteer John Lallo Partner Orka Solutions Mary Eilleen Lyon Associate Vice President for University Communications Grand Valley State University Manthan Pandit VP, Sales and Program Management Robert Bosch LLC
Roland Pascua Director of Human Resources & Operations V2Soft Inc. Jon Pope Partner Cambridge Consulting Group Dr. Giselle Sholler Director, Pediatric Oncology Research & Endowed Haworth Family Director of Innovative Therapeutics Clinic Helen DeVos Children's Hospital/Spectrum Health Korey Thomas Director of Global Policies & Procedures Whirlpool Todd VanTol Senior Vice President, Health Plan Business Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Meg Miller Willit Community Volunteer Chapter Medical Advisor James Fahner, M.D. Division Chief Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Ex Officio Karen Davis President & CEO Make-A-Wish Michigan
Make-A-Wish Michigan celebrates 35 years of granting wishes This year Make-A-Wish® Michigan celebrates 35 years of making wishes come true for Michigan children. The first Michigan wish was granted on January 30, 1984 to 11-year-old Joshua from Tecumseh, who had a brain tumor and wished to visit Walt Disney World® Resort. That first year, 15 Michigan kids experienced the transformational power of a wish. Since then, with the help of our generous supporters and volunteers, we have granted more than 10,000 wishes to Michigan kids. Wishes are only possible because of community support. And Make-A-Wish Michigan is committed to reaching even more children with the life-changing power of a wish in the years ahead. Learn more at michigan.wish.org.
SIGNATURE EVENT
Guests celebrate 10,000 Michigan wishes over 35 years at Wish Ball – West Michigan
KIDS FOR WISH KIDS®
Sterling Heights High School raises critical funds during Wish Week Students roared with approval when wish kid Robbie danced along to the Sterling Heights High School's marching band drumline during the pep assembly that culminated the school's inaugural Wish Week that raised more than $27,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish® Michigan. "Our principal talked to the entire senior class after the event, letting us know that we left a legacy that day and knowing that is something we are all proud of," senior Alex Elia said. Robbie, a 10-year-old Sterling Heights native, beamed with joy when the school revealed their fundraising totals at the student pep rally. "Partnering with Make-A-Wish and raising [that money] was by far not only the most humbling experience but, as a leadership class, it is something we will never forget," Alex said.
Nearly 900 guests at Wish Ball - West Michigan witnessed Make-A-Wish® Michigan recognize 5-year-old Forrest as the 10,000th wish kid. Linda Pauling, mother of the child whose dream inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish, joined Brandi Conn, sister of the first Michigan wish kid Joshua, to present a custom cutting board to Forrest and his parents to commemorate the occasion. Wish Ball, sponsored by the Teeny Tiny Toy Store, celebrated Forrest and all the Michigan wish kids who battle their critical illnesses with courage and fortitude. Celebrity chefs from West Michigan took on Chef Forrest in a competition to make his infamous cottage cheese pancakes, which were his go-to source of food during chemotherapy. During this "Chopped" game show hosted by Tom Hillen, of WOOD TV8, the judges ruled Chef Forrest as the competition winner much to the delight of the crowd. The black-tie gala, which was emceed by Jack Doles and Maranda of WOOD TV, recognized three honorees for their significant contributions to the Make-A-Wish mission: John and Mary Carrier as the individual honorees, the Greenridge Dream Team Foundation as the corporate partner honoree and WOOD TV8 as the community partner honoree.
Join us! May 8, 2020 DeVos Place | Grand Rapids LEAD SPONSOR
To learn more about Kids For Wish Kids®, please visit michigan.wish.org/kidsforwishkids
Summer 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 3
ADOPT-A-WISH®
All Weather Seal of West Michigan adopts three wishes
Michelle, left, with fellow volunteer Janice Bourlier and wish kid Jeffrey VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Michelle dazzles wish kids with her positivity Over the years, Michelle McCormick heard her friend in Houston rave about being a wish-granting volunteer for the local Make-A-Wish® chapter. “She would share her passion and remind me that when the time is right, I should consider becoming a wish granter,” Michelle explained. Now that Michelle’s children are adults, she felt inspired to make a difference. Recalling her friend’s words about Make-A-Wish, she signed up to become a volunteer. In her first year supporting Make-A-Wish, Michelle’s volunteer efforts have included wish granting, volunteering at the children’s activity tent at Walk For Wishes and serving on the decorations committee for Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan. With her husband Tim recently completing his wish training, the couple plans to make road trips across the state to meet with wish kids to discover their one heartfelt wish. When it comes to making enhancement items for her wish kids, Michelle loves to go to the Dollar Store. “I put shredded confetti in the kiddo’s packages with puzzles, crafts and the child’s favorite treats,” Michelle said. “I also like to create simple photo books or collages with pictures of their wishes.” Michelle believes the Make-A-Wish mission truly resonates with her because she knows the power of positive energy. "Make-A-Wish is all about spreading positivity to its kiddos and their families," Michelle said. "I love to make hearts happy."
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses in your community? Make-A-Wish Michigan is actively seeking volunteers throughout the state. To learn more about becoming a volunteer and when the next volunteer training will be in your area, please email volunteer@michigan.wish.org or call 800.622.9474.
All Weather Seal of West Michigan first engaged with Make-A-Wish® Michigan in July 2018. The company was thrilled when they surpassed their August fundraising goal and had the opportunity to symbolically adopt Ma'Koi's wish to go to the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. "We love not only the idea of what Make-A-Wish stands for, but we love being able to meet the families directly and put a face with a story," said Megan McGuire, marketing director. "These kids have already been through so much, and we are honored to be able to be part of a happy memory for them!" All Weather Seal of West Michigan generates their fundraising by taking a percentage of sales for a designated month. By setting goals for each department, they empower departments to achieve their goals to enable the company to adopt wishes. "Our employees get super fired up about being part of this great cause," Megan said. "Studies have shown employees are attracted to work for companies that have a mission of something greater than just making a profit. It's a big part of our mission, and it drives our employees to take a lot of pride in the fact that they actually get to help fund these wishes with their personal efforts toward our month-end goals. The West Michigan and Northern Michigan community has been so gracious in keeping their business local with us - the right thing to do is give back!" With the funds raised this May, All Weather Seal of West Michigan symbolically adopted three wishes. "There is no way to describe the feeling of seeing the smiles on the children's faces we have met," Megan said. Visit michigan.wish.org/adopt to learn how your company can participate in the Adopt-A-Wish® program.
All Weather Seal of West Michigan present a check to Make-A-Wish® Michigan
Today, Paige is a student at MSU studying nursing.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
Wish alum Paige now studies nursing at Michigan State University In 2011, a young girl from Okemos was diagnosed with medulloblastoma resulting in proton therapy and chemotherapy. When asked if she could wish for anything, Paige wanted a SmartBoard. "When I was younger, it was my dream to become a teacher," Paige explained. "Therefore, the idea of having the technology that my teachers had at school in my bedroom was so exciting. I would be able to 'play' school in my bedroom at a whole Wish kid Darby with new level. At the time, I didn't even think of the SmartBoard helping me through volunteers Ginny and Barb school, so that was just a bonus. My wish gave me something to do when I was stuck in my house due to my immune system being insufficient." Her family and friends surprised her one day at home with a wish reveal party where she received her SmartBoard, projector, TV, camera and laptop. "I had no idea that it was happening, and I walked into a house full of amazing people celebrating me and my wish," Paige said. Today, Paige just completed her freshman year at Michigan State University where she also works for the MSU football team. "I have chosen to pursue nursing, as I have had some of the best nurses growing up," Paige said. "I look forward to being able to help others receive the care they need."
In 2011, Paige received her wish for a SmartBoard when she was 11 years old.
WISHFULLY SPEAKING
“Zach loves his golf cart, and he went nuts when he saw it," Zach's mom, Amy, said. "We had a really good turnout [at the wish reveal] and a lot of family members were there. We are very thankful and appreciative of everything Make-A-Wish did for us. We can't wait to use the golf cart when we go camping." Zach, 14, seizure disorder I wish to have a custom golf cart Summer 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 5
WISHFULLY SPEAKING “Medicine could never give us the family experience that Make-A-Wish did," Mariah's mom, Kelli, said. "While medicine can heal the body, Make-A-Wish can help you release the breath that you didn't even know you were holding. It allows you to just be in the moment and have fun, to look forward to something instead of worrying about what might happen. It is an important part of Mariah's journey." ‹ Mariah, now 21, nervous system disorder I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort granted in 2006
“From going to the game with my dad, to taking my mom with me to the NFL Honors, to experiencing the aquarium with my siblings, playing catch on the field, touring the locker room and meeting a ton of NFL players and getting a lot of cool stuff! The whole experience was amazing, and it was fun meeting other kids who face life with health challenges like I do. For those five days, I didn't have to think or worry about my health and it felt great!” Christopher, 16, heart condition › I wish to go to the Super Bowl
"No medicine could have healed Maddie like her wish did. I have never seen her so happy, joyous, and carefree. It was a time where everything else was forgotten and only pure joy and love reigned. No words adequately can describe this." ‹ Madeline, 10, heart transplant I wish to swim with dolphins
"I think it enabled Anaiah to feel like she was contributing something fun to the family. Her siblings are used to having her illness take away from family time and bring stress. It was wonderful for her to get praise from her siblings about the wish." Anaiah, 4, blood disorder › I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
"He doesn’t let his disabilities define him or slow him down. He is the absolute strongest person we know. He continues to defy the odds that his condition says we should expect." ‹ Liam, 9, genetic disorder I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
William kicks football with Lions' player
held upright in front of his classmates. “For our family, I think the best was the grand finale of getting William into an Upsee and having him kick a football Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater with Matt,” Alison said. “Just seeing our visited Cooke Elementary School wheelchair-bound little boy, beaming in Northville to fulfill the heartfelt with joy, standing upright, as he kicked wish of 9-year-old William, who has the football with his idol cheering him a seizure disorder. After Matt posed on.” for photos and signed autographs His parents took great care to help for William and his family, the Lions determine the perfect wish for their kicker placed temporary Lions tattoos nonverbal child. Over the years, the one on his classmates. William then used thing they noticed William truly an adaptive switch to play a enjoying was watching the PowerPoint presentation Lions play football. to teach Matt a little bit “We started about himself. to notice that he “The whole would scream and event was beyond cheer the loudest everything that we whenever Matt expected,” William’s came onto the TV mom, Alison, said. to kick a field goal or “Seeing William light an extra point,” Alison up with joy when explained. “From there Matt Prater walked in he started to kick his the door. Matt was so legs every time Matt was genuine and honored to announced on the TV.” meet William. We all did our William’s family was thrilled when best trying to hold back tears as Matt Wish kid Sean with Matt agreed to grant the wish at shook William’s hand.” Jamie Dimon William’s school with his classmates and The highlight of the wish came when teachers. Following the wish, the feeling William’s dad, Duncan, used an upright was mutual. ”It was more of a pleasure mobility harness called an Upsee to get for me than anything,” Matt said of the William standing. With his dad’s help, wish. “I’m your biggest fan now, Will." William kicked the football that Matt
2018 Trailblaze Challenge
Are you up for the challenge? Trailblaze Challenge is more than a hike. It's more than a fundraiser. Trailblaze Challenge is a life-changing endurance experience. While you're digging deep on the trail, a child is digging deep to beat their critical illness. Now is YOUR chance to take on the Trailblaze Challenge. Join us for an amazing journey where you will hike 21 miles in one life-changing day. In 2018, over 30 hikers collectively raised nearly $110,000. This trek on Saturday, Sept. 7, provides you with an opportunity for adventure, fun and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of local children battling critical illnesses. Make the choice to take on the challenge today. Register today by contacting Sarah Ragone at sragone@michigan.wish.org
THREE ROUTES. ONE MISSION. Sign up for the 32nd Annual Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour at WishAMile.org today! WAM 300 - July 25-28
WAM 100 - July 28
Three-day, 300-mile, fully supported tour through Michigan countryside starting in Traverse City and ending at EATON Proving Grounds in Marshall, MI.
NEW THIS YEAR: One-day, 100mile, fully supported tour starting and ending at EATON Proving Grounds in Marshall, MI.
WAM 50 - July 28
WAM Jr. - July 28
One-day, 50-mile tour starting and ending at EATON Proving Grounds in Marshall, MI.
2019
Looped kids' ride for children ages 5-13 at EATON Proving Grounds in Marshall, MI. Summer 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 7
2018 Make-A-Wish® Michigan Recognition Awards Hope Award (Top Individual Donor) Thomas M. Rinehart
Volunteer of the Year Renee Niles
Strength Award (Top Group Donor) Teresa Bouwens Sue Den Herder Karen Den Herder Steve and Shiela Julin
Wish-Granting Volunteer of the Year Julie VanHorn
Joy Award (Top School / Youth) Novi High School Chi Omega Sorority - Michigan State University Outstanding Corporate Donor Credit Acceptance Zip Xpress
RCO Engineering Alicia Smith of WXYZ-TV Charlie Wondergem Maria White of Inclusity
Shining Star Awards Perry Brookins C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Administration Team Al Doty Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Congenital Heart Center Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Palliative Care Team Amy Jones of Andy J. Egan Co. Michael Reuter of American Cycle & Fitness Michigan State Police Chris and Pam Orphus Wendy Raymond
Sue Jandernoa MVP Awards for Outstanding Support of Kids For Wish Kids® Adrian College - Chi Omega Catholic Central High School Clarkston Junior High School The Goddard School, Canton Hillsdale College - Chi Omega Grand Valley State SAAC, NCAA D2 Partnership Novi High School St. Techla Catholic School University of Michigan - Chi Omega Western Michigan University
Join us at a NEW location!
SIGNATURE EVENT
Sept. 14, 2019 Robinette's Apple Haus
Join supporters at Walk For Wishes® - West Michigan
You can help make life-changing wishes come true at the annual Walk For Wishes® - West Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 14, at a new location - Robinette's Apple Haus in Grand Rapids. Register for free today and help raise vital funds to create transformational experiences for Michigan kids. In honor of the organization's 35th anniversary, walkers who raise $35 will receive an official 2019 Walk For Wishes T-shirt. Join hundreds of fellow supporters for this family friendly event. Walk For Wishes will feature an inspiring opening ceremony, morning refreshments, a complimentary lunch, entertainment and activities. You can make a difference in the lives of the more than 200 West Michigan children in need of a wish come true by registering for the walk today.
Visit WalkForWishesWestMI.org to learn more and register. LEAD SPONSORS:
Æ
EVENING OF WISHES
Guests raise over $60,000 for wishes
Wish alum Sean shared his wish journey with guests
More than 100 notable business leaders and philanthropists from Metro Detroit joined Make-A-Wish Michigan, co-hosts Jennifer and Chris Granger and honorary committee members Marlene and Bill Emerson for an intimate Evening of Wishes at the Shinola Hotel on April 11. After hearing about the life-changing impact of a wish for Michigan children with critical illnesses, guests were moved to donate and helped to symbolically adopt local wishes at the event, sponsored by Park West Foundation. Summer 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 8
WISH STORY
Zuzu's wish story as her mom By Wish Mom Katie
Zuzu, 7, explored the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with her parents, including her mom Katie, during a magical wish away from doctors and appointments.
When the surgeon told us that Zuzu had lymphoma, I just wanted him to leave the room so I could breakdown. I was scared to see Zuzu — scared that I wouldn't be able to keep it together, scared to tell her she had cancer. There was no room for dreams and goals and plans and everyday dramas — we were just 100% absorbed in the treatment protocol. We quickly got used to cleaning up puke and dealing with steroid-fueled tantrums. All conversations were about Zuzu’s health and the logistics of managing treatment. All thoughts were about how to get her healthy. Zuzu was desperate to go to Harry Potter World ever since she found out it was a thing. During her long hospital stays, I read her the first four books of the series, and she fell in love with them. I think she related to Harry feeling left out and different and having to deal with a big sad scary thing when he was young. And, she just loved the magic. Unfortunately, one of the lessons she’s learned during treatment is that being special isn’t always so great. That was also one of the great things about her wish trip — getting to feel special for a good reason. Make-A-Wish gave us wonderful experiences we could not have had any other way, and our wish experience made a treasure trove of lovely memories. It really was one of the tender mercies of this entire cancer journey that reminded us that joy is possible, even in the toughest times. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Make-A-Wish has made it possible, emotionally, for us to keep going with treatments. After more than a year of brutal chemo treatments, it just reset us all and made us feel rejuvenated.
Co-hosted by Chris and Jennifer Granger Summer 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 9
2018 WISH SOCIETY
Make-A-Wish® Michigan holds wish reveals at Metro Detroit hospitals The Children's Hospital of Michigan lobby full of medical professionals and staff errupted into cheers at the sight of wish kid Camari, a 5-year-old boy with congenital heart disease. Luanne Thomas Ewald, CEO of Children's Hospital of Michigan, joined Camari's pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Jennifer Blake, in surprising Camari with the news that he was heading to Walt Disney World® Resort for his wish in July to meet Mickey Mouse. "This wish will mean the world to him," Camari's mom, Tanya, said. "When he was laid up in his hospital room, there
were times when all he could do was watch in his early years. [His wish] will really be Mickey Mouse." something that he enjoys and deserves." A week later, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital surprised wish kid Kevin, 5, with a wish reveal. When Kevin and his family exited their exam room following an appointment, they witnessed healthcare professionals from around the hospital lining both sides of the hallway to cheer him on with the thrilling news. Dr. Ron Hirschl, Section Chief of Pediatric Surgery at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, shared his excitement about Kevin's wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort: "He has had so many difficulties
Kevin's mom, Anastasia, experienced a wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort when she was a child, and she will now return with her son for his own incredible wish adventure. "She told me how important [her wish] was to her and what a difference that made," Kevin's wish-granting volunteer Amy Mucci said. "It's bittersweet that it has to happen [twice] in one family, but I think we put a nice silver lining around it. They just all wanted to go together and make brand new memories."
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
I wish to have a playset
I wish to meet the Detroit Lions
Paige, 4, congenital heart disease
Evie, 7, blood disorder
Abram, 7, congenital heart disease
"Although the trip was for Paige’s wish, it turned into a trip for the family to realize how blessed we are to have this little girl in our lives," Paige's mom, Amber, said. "That’s what this trip was all about, celebrating a little miracle named Paige! Saying 'thank you' doesn’t seem like fitting words, because they just aren’t enough."
“Just the idea of getting to make a wish has been a source of great joy and anticipation for Evie," Evie's mom, Kathryn, said. "We are so grateful to MakeA-Wish for partnering with us to give 'the bravest girl we know' the best [with this playset wish.]"
“We can hardly put [the wish] into words. For our boy, who has been sidelined from sports to be able to run a play with the Detroit Lions - it was everything. Not only did our family feel like honored guests of the team, but they went out of their way to fulfill Abe's fantasy of playing pro football."
WISHFULLY SPEAKING
“Everything about being [on her wish] raised her spirits so much, and she let me know she wasn't sad for one second during our marvelous trip. She was exhilarated, overjoyed, energetic - the ocean seemed to begin to heal her. We did so many fun things as a family that we can never thank [Make-A-Wish] enough for. Katiana felt like a princess on her limo rides and doing her treatments and staring out at the ocean in her absolutely gorgeous villa. The snorkeling and surfing seemed to be such natural activities for her that you would have thought she was raised near the ocean. She said that surfing is now 'in her soul.'" Katiana, 8, cystic fibrosis I wish to go surfing
Volunteer Conference
Volunteers from across the state came to Lansing for the inaugural MakeA-Wish® Michigan Volunteer Conference on Saturday, March 16. The conference featured an inspiring keynote speech from Dr. Jim Fahner, the chapter's medical advisor, and a discussion on inclusion and diversity from Maria Arcocha White, founder of Inclusity. Conference attendees enjoyed multiple breakout sessions, including but not limited to ongoing education, wish enhancements and compassion fatigue. Wish alum Darby spoke to volunteers about her wish journey before helping to recognize volunteer awards. The event ended with a networking opportunity for volunteers.
Join us next year!
May 2, 2020 Detroit Zoo
Spotlight Awards: Alison Horrocks, Marjorie Johnson, Kara Peltier and Pat Shirak Rockstar Rookie: Tom Wilcox Outstanding Volunteer Duos: Jerrie Storm & Barb Moser Scott & Dorothy Cornell SIGNATURE EVENT
Outstanding Volunteer in Fundraising: Trista Kimber
Wish kid Kayden surprised at Walk For Wishes® – Southeast Michigan Thirteen-year-old Kayden had the surprise of a lifetime on stage at the 21st annual Walk For Wishes® - Southeast Michigan on Saturday, May 4, when emcee Alicia Smith of WXYZ-TV and Planet Fitness told him that he was leaving for his wish right then! "I couldn't even believe it was happening," Kayden said. "I freaked out because I thought it was going to be in the summer time. I had no idea!" Kayden, who had a heart transplant, boarded a limo from the Detroit Zoo and then went on his shopping spree adventure at Best Buy followed by a delicious steak lunch at Black Rock. The more than 5,000 Walk participants at the Detroit Zoo were inspired by Kayden's on-stage wish reveal in the opening ceremony prior to the start of the Walk. We are grateful to the impact made by the thousands of supporters in attendance at the LEAD SPONSOR Walk, who were transforming wish kid lives one step at a time. Æ
Ginny Holcomb Joful Spirit Award: Barb Emmons, Melissa Felice and Katrina Kaufman
Pat Shirak, second from right, accepts her Spotlight Award from the Volunteer Services team and wish alum Darby, right. Summer 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 11
Join Us! June 22, 2019 Walk For Wishes® – Northern Michigan The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Traverse City
Headquarters 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 Brighton, MI 48114 800.622.9474 michigan.wish.org
July 25 - July 28, 2019 Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour Statewide September 6 - 8, 2019 Trailblaze Challenge Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail, Manistee September 14, 2019 Walk For Wishes® – West Michigan John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids October 12, 2019 Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Detroit May 2, 2020 Walk For Wishes® – Southeast Michigan Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak May 8, 2020 Wish Ball - West Michigan DeVos Place, Grand Rapids Visit michigan.wish.org/events for more details on other events.
F O L LO W U S @ M A K E AW I S H M I
YOU have the power to put life-changing wishes in motion.
Register today!
WALK BIKE HIKE
WALK FOR WISHES® A Family Friendly Event!
// SEPT. 14, 2019
WISH-A-MILE® BICYCLE TOUR A NEW 100-mile route this year!
// JULY 25-28, 2019
TRAILBLAZE CHALLENGE® A 21-Mile Northern Michigan Trek!
// SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2019
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
2019
MICHIGAN
walkforwisheswestmi.org
trailblazechallengemi.org
wishamile.org
