With Our Best
SUMMER 2020
Chloe Defies Gravity on Her Wish When 9-year-old Chloe’s body lifted off into the air, she glowed with the biggest smile as her wish to have a zero-gravity experience came true. Chloe and her family traveled to iFly indoor skydiving in Chicago in January 2020 to give Chloe the experience she always dreamed of, starting with a limo ride from their downtown hotel to iFly. Chloe’s instructor showed her how to direct her flight, so she could turn from side to side, back and forth, and up and down in mid-air. During her flight time, Chloe also flew with a VR helmet and conducted a science experiment in the flight chamber. “Her diagnosis changed her into a more serious, pensive and anxious person, and the wish experience truly returned her into the happy little girl she used to be,” said Chloe's mom, Julie. It was about two years ago when Chloe first developed a swollen area in her neck. On the way to the beach, they stopped by the doctor's office to find out what it was. What they thought would be a quick visit turned into devastating news for Chloe and her family. After spending 10 days in the hospital, doctors diagnosed Chloe with cancer. “Our home life became sad and worried and hurried as we tried to fit in normal life in between chemotherapy treatment weeks at the hospital,” Julie said. “Enter Make-A-Wish when Chloe was feeling the most beaten up by her treatment possible. The timing itself was profoundly magical. All parts of the wish inserted a magic and hope back into our lives proving that good and wonderful things happen in life, too.” During her wish, Chloe went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the iFly facility and received lessons from staff members. It was everything Chloe could have wished for and more. While in Chicago, Chloe also visited Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and the zoo. This wish created an unforgettable memory for Chloe and her family. “Our family was lifted out of a story of worry and fear and dropped into a real-life dream of pure happiness,” Julie shared. “It really brought back the child in Chloe, helping her to believe in the magic of things again. She is more hopeful, expectant and excited about life.”
To watch video of Chloe’s wish experience, visit michigan.wish.org/chloe-fly.
I wish to have a zerogravity experience Chloe, 9 cancer
A note from the Board Chair & CEO FY 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chair Julie Booth Chief Financial Officer Quicken Loans Vice Chair (Elect) Rob Casalou President and CEO Trinity Health Michigan Vice Chair of Strategy John Lallo Partner Orka Solutions
Treasurer Kenneth Stanecki Chief Financial Officer TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants Secretary Todd Van Tol Senior Vice President Health Care Value Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
BOARD MEMBERS Jason Beauch Vice President - Pharmacy Meijer, Inc. Dirk Bloemendaal Managing Counsel, Corporate Government Affairs Amway Corporation Phil Bocketti SVP, Endowment and Foundation Consultant, Sr. Portfolio Manager UBS Financial Services Denise Christy Chief Marketing Officer Marsh and McLennan Agency 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 President Whitehall Real Estate Interests
Manthan Pandit Vice President, Customer Accounts Robert Bosch LLC Roland Pascua Chief Business Officer Professional Education and Research Institute Jon Pope Vice President of Corporate Benefits NFP Dr. Giselle Sholler Director, Isabella Santos Foundation Solid and Rare Tumor Program Levine Children's Hospital Korey Thomas Corporate Controller Herman Miller Cindy VanGelderen Accounting Faculty Emeritus Aquinas College Meg Miller Willit Community Volunteer Gregory Yanik, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics University of Michigan
Tina Kanis Community Volunteer Mike Lomonaco Chief Development and Community Engagement Officer John Ball Zoo Mary Eilleen Lyon Associate VP for University Communications Grand Valley State University Hal Ostrow Attorney/Shareholder Rhoades McKee 2 With Our Best Wishes | Summer 2020
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
Dear Make-A-Wish Friends, Hope is essential. We have known this in our mission work through the years, yet the COVID-19 pandemic and conversations with families have brought this belief to the forefront even more in recent months. With the uncertainty and stressors of this current time, added to the daily isolation and challenges our wish families face, we know that our wish kids need hope now more than ever. This pandemic has had a detrimental impact on our organization with travel wishes postponed for the health and safety of our kids, and our funding also significantly impacted. Yet, we continue to move forward inspired by our wish children, their dreams and determination to conquer challenges. Wishes like Hope’s new playset, Alexis’ wish for a puppy, and Nathan’s wish for a shopping spree have been granted in the midst of the pandemic. We have re-imagined our mission delivery and are finding new, creative ways to make wishes come true and bring our kids' imaginations to life. Our Make-A-Wish volunteers continue to be simply incredible with their care and compassion, creating extra special touches to make sure our wish kids know how important and cherished they are. Our signature events, including our Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour and our Wish Ball, have shifted to a virtual platform and participants remain committed to raising funds to make wishes comes true. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to being a force of good in our community and better serving our wish kids and families through our Inclusion and Diversity efforts. As we continue moving forward and granting wishes this summer and in the year ahead, ongoing support from our donors is vital to ensure we will be ready and able to grant the wishes that are safe to grant now and will be poised with funding secured to fulfill our children's travel wishes when it is safe to do so. You can help bring immeasurable hope and strength to wish kids in your community when they need it most, and every dollar makes an important difference in our ability to fulfill our mission. Visit michigan.wish.org to make a donation or learn more about how to participate in our virtual events. If you’ve never participated in WAM before, this is a perfect year to join us. You can bike in your home or on the road through Aug. 16. There is no registration fee, no fundraising minimum and no minimum miles. And be sure to register your children 18 and under for WAM Jr.! On behalf of the Make-A-Wish Michigan Board of Directors and staff team, we are so grateful for your continued help in making transformational wishes come true for Michigan children battling critical illnesses. Thank you for your love, care and support of our wish kids and families. We know that hope can’t wait. And together, we can bring hope into the lives of our wish kids today—and beyond. With gratitude,
Julie Booth Board Chair
Karen Davis President & CEO
WISHFULLY SPEAKING
CELEBRATING 2020 WISH KID GRADS “Emma has missed weeks of school each year and has averaged at least one surgery and two inpatient stays each of her four years in high school. She is a member of the National Honors Society, participates in athletics and dual enrolled so she could take college classes while still in high school.” Emma is graduating with honors in the top 10 of her class and plans to become a nurse. ‹ Emma, now 18, cystic fibrosis I wish to go to the Country Music Awards wish granted in 2015 “I am extremely proud of my son Khalique and all of his accomplishments. Getting his high school diploma wasn’t an easy task. He suffered with something called chemo brain after receiving chemotherapy for two years. It affected his memory to say the least. It was very difficult for him to learn new curriculum that was expected of him. Khalique worked even harder to complete his schoolwork. He even managed to find creative ways to try and remember steps to complete his math assignment. Throughout all of this, he still managed to stay positive and in good spirits.”
Chayce, now 18 gastrointestinal disorder I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort wish granted in 2012
›
Khalique, now 17, cancer › I wish to go to a tropical resort wish granted in 2016
“We are very proud of Chayce and his accomplishments. Graduation did not come easy, missing so much school: surgical procedures every 90 days, solely tube fed his entire life. Not being able to eat socially is very difficult during the teen years. We are proud to say Chayce never once missed school because he didn’t feel well. He only missed school to travel out of the state and for the recovery of medical procedures. Chayce exemplifies courage, strength and determination. He has been dealt quite a hand and navigated through a plethora of trials and tribulations all while keeping his head held high showing more dignity and poise than we could ever imagine.”
“I was diagnosed two months into the start of high school. I ended up having to miss almost two months of school and had surgery that year. It was hard learning how to cope with my disease while learning how to navigate high school. When I got my wish, Make-A-Wish showed up to my school and decorated my car in the middle of the school parking lot. It meant a lot to me and was an awesome surprise!” Rileigh was president of her school’s Anime club and also participated in the PCEP Art’s Academy. ‹ Rileigh Jo, now 18, gastrointestinal disorder I wish to go to the Anime Expo wish granted in 2019
Summer 2020 | With Our Best Wishes 3
WISHES GIVE KIDS HOPE By Dr. James Fahner Chapter Medical Advisor, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Division Chief, Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Dr. James Fahner pictured with wish kid Nico
As a pediatric oncologist, I understand firsthand that our work as an extraordinary team of caregivers who bring healing and hope to precious children diagnosed with cancer and their devoted families must go on each day. Every day these children are receiving vital treatments that cannot be interrupted or delayed regardless of the challenges or the risks due to the COVID19 pandemic. At the same time, I believe the work of Make-A-Wish must continue in the midst of this challenging time. Today, more than ever, we know that wishes are part of the healing process. There are medications we can provide. There are treatments we can administer. And yet, there are pieces missing that can only be filled by the impact of a wish experience. Wishes— anticipated, experienced and celebrated —are a powerful, common bond between patients and caregivers, an essential therapy at a critical time. In the midst of so much uncertainty, the anticipation of a wish remains an
important tool in our toolbox. When a child is battling a critical illness, we’ve replaced all of those magical, wonderful innocent childhood experiences with an unsettled world that no child should ever have to be exposed to. Make-A-Wish gives us a road map that allows us to get back on track and say in the midst of all of this chaos and uncertainty that there is still a magic and innocence of childhood. There is still a love and encouragement of a family that has to be preserved and protected. And Make-A-Wish helps us do that. We know finding our way to the “other side” of this pandemic is desperately hard for all of us right now. But we do have a compass: hope. And we do have some remarkable guides: our children. And those children, when life re-settles again, have a unique travel agent: Make-A-Wish. Their journey is one that will continue to warm and enrich each of our hearts just as it always has!
WISH STORY
A father's perspective: The hope and anticipation of Maddie's wish By Joel, wish dad We started out 2012 much like any other family. Maddie was an honor student finishing seventh grade at that time and enjoying her passions— soccer and cake decorating. Following a family vacation where she had breathing trouble, we checked in with her pediatrician. By the next morning, we were transferred to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. We were greeted at the door at Mott by a group of PICU doctors telling
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us that they thought our daughter had some sort of cancer. This is when you stop breathing—when the room spins—we were entering a world we barely knew existed, and we were all terrified. As we were plunged into this world of unknown territory, the speed of activity increased exponentially and so did our fear. The acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis came within 24 hours, and we were suddenly immersed in a nightmare that we couldn’t wake up from. Clinic visits followed the twoweek hospital stay with more chemo, painful injections, more side effects, hair loss, spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations. And lots of anxiety. It was about three months in that Maddie was told she would be eligible for Make-A-Wish. She smiled so big and lit up the room for the first time in months. “You mean I can pick anything?” she said. “Go anywhere?” There, in the middle of the clinic, the life-saving chemo dripping into her
port, a small circle of people formed around Maddie as her imagination went wild. She was so happy that day. The gift of a wish is about the journey of imagination. And its impact lasts forever—far beyond the wish itself. It is a tool used by caregivers to distract a child and get her through a procedure that is pretty scary. It is a tool for us parents to bring our child out of a bad mood or bring some excitement to the boredom of a hospital stay. It is a gift that puts a child in control of at least one thing in a world that is spinning out of control. It is the excitement Maddie felt in telling her siblings and her friends of her great fortune and then pitching ideas of how she might cash in on that dream. And, finally, the wish itself is an amazing gift for these kids that have been through so much. And that creates memories that last a lifetime. Maddie lost her battle with leukemia in July 2013. And, even though she never got to go to Australia, she certainly got the gift that Make-A-Wish gave her. Make-A-Wish continues to make such a difference in the lives of our kids. The impact that supporters of this organization make is huge, and I cannot find the words to thank you enough.
The Arc of a Journey
CARES ACT
WISH EXPERIENCE
LI F E I S BETTER A N T I C I PAT E
CHILD WITH CRITICAL ILLNESSS
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CHILD REFERRED TO M A K E-A-W I S H ®
From the time of a child’s referral to Make-A-Wish, the anticipation of a wish experience is such an important part of the child’s journey. It allows wish kids to dream about the power of possibilities and focus on something that they can control. Our volunteers play a powerful role, serving as anticipation builders as they provide special touch points and engage with our families throughout their wish journey. This is so vital to helping our wish kids and families stay connected with the mission as they relish the excitement of looking forward to their wish.
WISH STORY
Puppy kisses bring joy to wish kid Alexis Alexis repeatedly called her dad, Josh, more than 10 times on his way home with her new puppy. Upon hearing his car pull up, she raced to the door and screamed in excitement. Alexis' wish came true the moment her dad handed over the wriggly Bernedoodle pup named Scarlett. "It’s been a couple of years in and out of the hospital, so seeing her eyes light up with this puppy is a miracle," Josh said. Alexis, who has an autoimmune disorder, couldn't attend school last year due to steroids, three rounds of chemotherapy and monthly iron injections. During that time, the avid animal lover dreamed of bringing home a puppy to call her own. "With everything going on and the kids all at home, it was the perfect timing," Alexis' mom, Cari, said of Scarlett joining their family. "She kept saying how special she feels. We are spending so much time together playing games and playing with the puppy—it’s priceless." Wishes help turn anxiety into joy and fear into hope at a time when a child needs it most. "To me, [Make-A-Wish] is an opportunity to see a light at the end of the tunnel through all of this," Josh said. "It shows Alexis that—even when life is hard—there are good things and good people in this life."
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion economic stimulus package legislated to provide immediate relief for nonprofits, took effect earlier this year. The CARES Act provides tax advantages for donors who make gifts directly to a nonprofit in 2020. Now more than ever, hope is essential. With COVID-19, new health worries are present, bringing additional challenges to already dark days for our wish families. While fighting their illnesses, these kids are now anxiously counting the days until their wishes will be granted. Your support today will bring these children the promise of brighter days ahead and ensure that no child waits even one unnecessary day for their wish. Highlights of the CARES Act include: • Availability of a new deduction • New charitable deduction limits • Required min. distributions waived for most donors Learn more at wish.org/stimulus. For the last 36 years, Make-AWish® Michigan has granted more than 10,000 wishes for Michigan children with critical illnesses with the help of our generous donors. Yet there are more children in need of a wish come true. Together, we can bring hope for today—and tomorrow.
PLANNED GIVING A deferred gift can help you balance your financial goals and your charitable interests—all while possibly achieving significant tax benefits. A planned gift, such as a bequest in your will or trust, life insurance designations or stock donation ensures your support for the children we serve well into the future. You'll do more than help grant wishes, you'll create a legacy that will impact our wish kids for years to come. Please let us know if you’ve named Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan in your estate. If you have questions, contact Julie Pendell at jpendell@michigan.wish.org or 810-522-6519. Summer 2020 | With Our Best Wishes 5
Make-A-Wish innovates amidst global pandemic In 2010, Emily's wish for the ultimate portable photo studio was granted.
Make-A-Wish® Michigan quickly pivoted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to innovate and implement new virtual ways to grant wishes, host events and engage with wish families and volunteers. We know that our wish kids need the hope that a wish provides, and we are working diligently to continue to bring this hope at a time when they need it most. Here are a few ways that we are adapting our processes to keep our mission moving forward and stay engaged with families. • Coordinating virtual wish discovery meetings, where a child shares their desired wish with volunteers, and providing training to wish-granting volunteers on how to best conduct these virtual meetings Today, Emily is a pediatric oncology nurse and a wedding photographer.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
• Holding virtual coffee chat meetings every other week for volunteers to attend, get to know one another and ask questions of our Volunteer Services team as well as a member of the Program team
2010 wish sparks Emily’s career choice
• Shifting shopping spree wishes to an online format where volunteers order items on a child’s wish list and deliver a gift card for the child to order dinner from their favorite local restaurant
During the week, Emily Capisciolto works as a pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital where she received cancer treatment as an 11-year-old child. On the weekends, Emily documents some of people’s most important moments as a wedding photographer. Emily’s medical journey with acute lymphoblastic leukemia along with her Make-A-Wish experience sparked her desire to pursue both career choices. In 2010, Emily wished for the ultimate portable photo studio, which included a DSLR camera and a laptop with editing software. Because of her wish experience, Emily initially went into college as a declared photography major. “As I explored options for the future, it was clear that my desire to be at the bedside with kids going through diagnoses and treatment that resembled what I had been through was becoming more real so I did switch to nursing after my first year,” Emily explained. “With that said, I have photographed over 100 weddings and documented countless families and am continuing to do so. Those experiences may not have happened without Make-A-Wish and my first camera.” With her camera, Emily built a business and was able to help put herself through college with income from her photography business. Now 26, Emily remembers the joy and hope she felt when she started to dream about what her wish would be and thinking about the future. She looks back with amazement at how her wish impacted her long-term career aspirations. “I just want to say thank you for the work you guys do at Make-A-Wish,” Emily said. “I know you don’t always get to see the lasting effects of each wish—but know they are there and they are important. My life was very significantly impacted by this foundation, and I can’t ever express how grateful I am.” 6 With Our Best Wishes | Summer 2020
• Inviting wish kids to join in regular online “Bake with Me” activities led by a wish coordinator • Providing volunteers with virtual wish enhancement ideas, including a special video message from Mickey Mouse and a custom Make-A-Wish Michigan coloring page that volunteers can email to their wish families • Inviting wish families to participate in a virtual scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes • Shifting events to a virtual platform to inspire event participants and continue to raise vital funds to make wishes come true Moving forward, Make-A-Wish® America is helping us to coordinate virtual wishes for celebrity wishes and investing in new technologies to create additional wish-granting opportunities. With the help of our supporters, we continue to grant inspiring non-travel wishes that bring hope and joy to our wish kids and are working hard to raise funds so we are ready to grant the wishes that have been postponed. Wish kid Isabella shows off her "Bake With Me" masterpiece
Calendar of Upcoming Events Make-A-Wish Michigan has an exciting lineup of upcoming virtual events in 2020.
VIRTUAL WISH-A-MILE® BICYCLE TOUR Whether you are a road warrior, ride your Peloton daily or go for leisurely rides in your neighborhood, you can join us for the 33rd annual Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour this year! Virtual WAM 2020, with lead sponsor Eaton Corporation, does not have a registration fee, fundraising minimum or mileage requirement. If you have ever considered participating in WAM, this is a great chance to be part of an incredible community and bike for wishes this summer from your Peloton or out on the road. Riders are encouraged to ride and fundraise through Sunday, Aug. 16. To learn more about Virtual WAM 2020, visit WishAMile.org.
TRAILBLAZE CHALLENGE Our 4th annual Trailblaze Challenge gives participants the opportunity to hike while raising much-needed funds to grant wishes for Michigan wish kids. This year's event will be held virtually this fall, allowing supporters to blaze their own trail wherever they live. To learn more about the 2020 Trailblaze Challenge, visit TrailblazeChallengeMI.org.
WHEN STARS ALIGN: A COMMUNITY GIVES HOPE This virtual event, sponsored by Teeny Tiny Toy Store, will feature a fun, inspiring and mission-rich program online on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. that celebrates all that is possible When Stars Align to give kids hope. Please plan to join us for this virtual event on Facebook or YouTube to help make wishes come true for Michigan children battling critical illnesses. For additional details about this event, visit WhenStarsAlignWestMI.org.
WISH BALL – SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN We invite you to join us for the virtual 2020 Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan, presented by DTE Energy Foundation. Witness the impact of a wish come true, participate in the silent and live auctions, and learn more about how the community is coming together to bring hope to Michigan kids. A livestream of this inspiring evening will air on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. We all have the power to make wishes come true. By joining us for Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan, chaired by Josie and Jerry Norcia, you can help grant transformational wishes for children in your community. To learn more, visit WishBallMI.org.
We encourage you to consider hosting an in-person Watch Party for either of these events and inviting guests to support the Make-A-Wish mission. For more information about hosting an in-person Watch Party for When Stars Align, please email Ashley Sanregret at asanregret@michigan.wish.org. For more information about hosting an in-person Watch Party for Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan, contact Sarah Ragone at sragone@michigan.wish.org.
HOST A WATCH PARTY
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Walk For Wishes® goes virtual for Southeast and Northern Michigan events
Wish kid Jack and his family participated in the virtual Walk For Wishes®
This spring, both Walk For Wishes® events in Southeast Michigan on May 2 and Northern Michigan on June 13 went virtual due to COVID-19. Both Walks were livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube followed by a walk in participants’ respective neighborhoods. Walkers also had the opportunity to participate in a competitive and fun scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes. The Southeast Michigan event, sponsored by Planet Fitness, featured an inspiring opening ceremony emceed by Alicia Smith of WXYZ-TV. The Northern Michigan event, sponsored by Meijer, highlighted the impact of a wish come true during an opening ceremony hosted by Lauren Scafidi of 9&10 News. Thank you to the more than 1,800 people who collectively participated in the two events to help transform the lives of Michigan kids one step at a time.
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LEAD SPONSOR (Southeast)
LEAD SPONSOR (Northern)
Summer 2020 | With Our Best Wishes 7
Headquarters 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 Brighton, MI 48114 800.622.9474 michigan.wish.org
wish kid Ma'Koi, class of 2020 I wish to go to the NBA All-Star Game wish granted in 2019
“For Ma’Koi to graduate with his class was such an amazing feat because, at first, they said he would probably have to take an extra year. When he started thinking about that, he worked even harder to make sure he could get any credits. Kudos to his school for all their support. I’m proud of him. When he received his diploma in the mail, he was so overwhelmed and emotional. His tears were flowing. He said, ‘Mom, I did it!’” You can be the difference maker for Michigan kids like Ma’Koi. He continued to pursue his goals, graduating from high school this year, in spite of his critical illness. By pledging your monthly support, you can help transform the lives of kids in your community every month, all year. Become a monthly donor at michigan.wish.org/donate.
F O L LO W U S @ M A K E AW I S H M I
Trips that transform. DONATE YOUR AIRLINE MILES AT MICHIGAN.WISH.ORG/ AIRLINE-MILES
RIDE TO
GRANT WISHES Virtual WAM 2020 NO REGISTRATION FEE NO FUNDRAISING MINIMUM NO MINIMUM MILES RIDE AND FUNDRAISE UNTIL AUG. 16
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
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