WINTER 2020 I wish to have a room redo Davonte, 4 end-stage kidney disease wish granted Nov. 2020
A wish impacts the child, family and medical team by Meghan Zechmeister, clinical transplant social worker at Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Scan to see a video about Davonte’s wish!
Davonte is one of our dialysis patients. We have spent a lot of time with him over the past several years. He loves to make jokes and mess around with some of the nurses in our clinic. It’s very entertaining whenever he is there. From the time his volunteers reached out, getting to brainstorm ideas with him all the things he could do for his wish was awesome. From the start, it was something fun for Davonte and his mom to think about. It gave them something to look forward to. A wish helps give the families something else to focus on. A lot of their time, energy and resources are focused on treatment. To be able to focus on something that isn’t their treatment for a little bit makes such a big difference. Make-A-Wish has always been fantastic to work with. It’s one of my favorite parts about my job. I think Make-A-Wish has been particularly creative during this time with wishes. The room makeover for Davonte is the perfect example of coming up with something that we can do right now. During this time, it’s kind of scary to leave your house. Having something that is in your home and in your safe place that is just for the patient is so cool. Davonte is going to get to use his room every single day. We get to know these families so well because we follow them for a really long time. When we get to see them experiencing these awesome things, it’s like we’re living vicariously through these families. It’s really nice for us because we are giving diagnoses and doing treatments that aren’t always fun and can be hard on families. To also get to participate in the fun aspect and the things that they enjoy, it helps our team as well. Years later, patients will talk to me about their experiences. Families will have those scrapbooks and bring them in every once in a while. It’s not like they come back from the first appointment and then we don’t hear about it again. It makes a big difference in their entire life.
A note from the Board Chair & CEO Dear Make-A-Wish Friends,
FY 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chair Julie Booth Chief Financial Officer Rocket Companies 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 David Carroll Community Volunteer
Manthan Pandit Vice President, Customer Accounts Robert Bosch LLC Roland Pascua Chief Business Officer VP, Human Resources Professional Education and Research Institute Jon Pope Vice President of Corporate Benefits NFP
Denise Christy Chief Marketing Officer Marsh and McLennan Agency
Dr. Giselle Sholler Director, Isabella Santos Foundation Solid and Rare Tumor Program Levine Children's Hospital
Donna Doleman Dickerson Chief Marketing Officer GreenPath Financial Wellness
Korey Thomas Corporate Controller Herman Miller
Arlen-Dean Gaddy Director of Market Strategy Erhardt Construction
Meg Miller Willit Community Volunteer
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
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With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2020
Make-A-Wish® Michigan is so grateful for your unwavering support of wish children and families. Because of our resilient Michigan community, wish kids in our state continue to experience the transformational power of a wish in the midst of these uncertain times. As we navigate a world unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, Make-A-Wish Michigan is delivering our mission in new, innovative ways. Throughout 2020, our mission has remained in motion as we grant the wish experiences that are safe to fulfill. Wishes like Davonte’s wish to have a room redo and Eloise’s wish for a pop-up camper are bringing hope to Michigan wish kids and providing a respite as they battle their critical illnesses. Yet, as we head into 2021, there are many more children still waiting for their wish to come true. Right now, there are 861 Michigan children in need of the hope and strength that a wish provides. As a result of economic impact caused by the pandemic, our fundraising revenue from our events, individual donors and corporate support has decreased significantly this past year. Wishes are only made possible through community support. And we don’t want Michigan children waiting a single day longer than necessary to experience the transformational power of a wish in their lives. Your continued support is vital to ensuring that we are able to grant the wishes that can be granted today and that we are poised to grant the wishes that are waiting. Hope is essential, and through your contributions you can bring the power of hope into the lives of Michigan wish kids and families. We are so grateful for your love, care and support of our courageous wish kids, and we wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year. With gratitude,
Julie Booth
Karen Davis
Board Chair
President & CEO
Gregory Yanik, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics University of Michigan Chapter Medical Advisor James Fahner, M.D. Endowed Division Chief Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Ethie Haworth Children’s Cancer Center, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Ex Officio Karen Davis President & CEO Make-A-Wish Michigan
I wish to have a pug puppy Isaac nervous system disorder
Volunteers engage with wish families in creative ways
Wish-granting volunteer Millie Thomas (right) joins fellow volunteer Marianne Elizalde (left) for Colin’s electronic shopping spree in Nov. 2019.
VO L U N T E E R S P OT L I G H T
Millie Thomas creates fun enhancements for wish kids For Millie Thomas, the highlight of being a Make-A-Wish volunteer is witnessing the wish kid’s happiness and excitement when their wish is granted. “[Make-A-Wish is] an incredible organization that creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences for a child with a critical illness,” Millie said. “They go to great lengths to put the child’s wellbeing first. They make them feel like a celebrity.” Over the last seven years, Millie has served as a wish-granting volunteer with eight wish families, as well as supported Make-A-Wish events including helping with a Detroit Red Wings charity 50/50 raffle and working registration at Walk For Wishes® - Southeast Michigan. Volunteers like Millie play a vital role leading up to a child’s wish to help bring anticipation and excitement to the wish kid during their wish journey. Wish-granting volunteers regularly provide a wish enhancement as a way to stay connected and keep the wish kid engaged with Make-A-Wish. Millie enjoys sending texts, cards, flower baskets and Edible Arrangements as her go-to wish enhancements to bring hope and joy to her wish kids. “Wish kids are the coolest kids you will meet, and they never even complain,” Millie said. “This puts your life into perspective and makes you come to the realization of how precious life can truly be. These kids will inspire you to do greatness!” Make-A-Wish Michigan is deeply grateful for Millie’s ongoing support and dedication to the Make-A-Wish mission and the more than 650 wish-granting volunteers throughout the state who help make wishes come true.
MAKE-A-WISH MICHIGAN NEEDS YOU Michigan kids continue to be diagnosed with critical illnesses in the midst of this pandemic, and they need the hope that a wish provides now more than ever. For every wish kid, Make-A-Wish needs wish-granting volunteers to come alongside and support them throughout their wish journey. Volunteers have the honor of exploring wish ideas with the wish kid to get to the heart of their wish. Right now, this conversation takes place in a virtual Wish Discovery Meeting and provides an opportunity for wish-granting volunteers to discuss the wish ideas that the child may have. Following this virtual meeting, volunteers keep the wish kid and family engaged with monthly wish enhancements. Would you like to learn more about becoming a volunteer and how you can make a difference from the comfort of your own home? BECOME A WISH-GRANTING VOLUNTEER
UPCOMING VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER TRAININGS
Visit michigan.wish.org/volunteer for more information and to view the volunteer application.
Monday, Jan. 11: 6–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18: 6–8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11: 6–8:30 p.m.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Make-A-Wish® Michigan volunteers continue to express their creativity while engaging with Michigan wish families in safe ways. During their virtual Wish Discovery Meeting with wish kid Emma, Kelli and Elizabeth Lovasz discovered Emma gets excited about water, swimming and sharks. In their virtual meeting, Kelli and Elizabeth also learned that Emma is currently on complete bedrest. The mother and daughter duo decided to do something fun to lift her spirits. After first clearing the safe visit with Emma’s mom, they got some shark face masks and came to surprise Emma with an enhancement gift and to talk with her through the window while social distancing. It was a complete surprise to Emma, and she absolutely loved their visit. Other Make-A-Wish volunteers have held drive-by car parades and thrown fun Zoom wish celebrations for online shopping spree wishes. The health and safety of our wish families and volunteers remains the top priority for Make-A-Wish Michigan during this time. Our volunteers have risen to the challenge to come up with creative ways to not only help make wishes come true but to build relationships with our wish families and show up in their lives as a beacon of hope, strength and joy. Kelli (left) and Elizabeth (right) with wish kid Emma giving a thumbs up through the window during a socially distanced visit earlier this year.
CARES ACT
W I S H S TO R Y
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. Make-A-Wish Michigan’s fundraising revenue has been significantly impacted during the pandemic. 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 minimum 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.
Eloise looks forward to camping with her grandma in pop-up camper
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 Sara Thompson at sthompson@michigan.wish.org or 810.522.6526. 4
With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2020
by Megan, wish mom Eloise was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July 2019. Four months later, her dad passed away a week before the hardest part of her chemo treatment. That loss was exceptionally hard on Eloise because he was the one who watched her all year when she was unable to go to school, so they got really close.
wish granted Oct. 2020
During her treatment, she had to get multiple blood transfusions and platelets every week. My entire family lives three-and-a-half hours away so she was unable to see them for a whole year until she hit the maintenance phase of her treatment. That was really hard on her. She had no play dates as we didn’t want to risk her getting sick with no immune system.
The social workers at the hospital are the ones who talked to us about Make-A-Wish. Eloise decided on a camper so she could go camping with her grandma! My mom has a camper on the other side of Ohio. Before she was diagnosed, Eloise would go camping with my mom three or four weekends a summer. It’s hard to bring that camper up here this far. She is looking forward to her grandma coming and camping in Eloise’s camper with her. I’ve watched my daughter cry to me asking why she had to have cancer. To feel so helpless and not know how to help is the hardest thing in the world for a parent. The camper means so much to us. Make-A-Wish gives hope and happiness to kids and families who have so much sadness and pain and hurt in their lives from such terrible illnesses that kids do not deserve. To give kids that happiness means the absolute world to the poor kiddos and families that just try their best in life and just seem to get the short end of the stick. To see my baby girl as happy and excited as she is about this camper is truly a priceless gift that I appreciate more than I could ever put into words.
C O R P O R AT E G I V I N G
Macy’s Believe returns in 2020 For a child fighting a critical illness, every day of waiting for a wish is one too many. Together, Make-A-Wish® America and the dedicated team at Macy’s are helping bring joy back into a child’s life this holiday season. The annual Macy’s Believe campaign has raised $21 million for Make-A-Wish America over the last 13 years. For every letter written to Santa online or dropped off in-store through Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish America, up to $1 million. Join us in bringing experiences of joy to a child today so they can look forward to tomorrow. Learn more and write your letter to Santa at michigan.wish.org/macys.
WISHFULLY SPEAKING “I really appreciate what [Make-A-Wish is] doing for the kids and the families. [Cherish’s wish] is a big escape from reality, doctors, hospitals, school and work. We were all together without a worry and just having fun.” Cherish, 6, congenital heart disease › I wish to have a Michigan family vacation
“He is usually a happy kid, but this is life-changing! He seems to have a whole new lease on life. Words cannot begin to express how thankful we are!” ›
Christopher, 7, nervous system disorder › I wish to have a pop-up camper
“He was able to just be a kid and not have to worry about literally anything! He just LIVES in the water, and he always seems so peaceful when he’s around it! It was a nice change to watch him be a child without any worries.” ›
“The past year has been the worst of my life, and your gifts and kindness are one of the few great memories I have from my time battling cancer. With all that happened with COVID-19, [Make-A-Wish was] willing to adapt and help me with my wish and I thank you for that. I know the saying goes that money doesn’t buy happiness, but these gifts are going a long way.” ‹ Paul, 17, cancer I wish to have a shopping spree “We are loving Ruby’s lounger and cabana! We are so excited that she will be able to be out by our family in her own special and comfortable spot. This is such an incredible gift!” Ruby, 12, nervous system disorder › I wish to have a cabana
Allie, 15, gastrointestinal disorder I wish to have gaming equipment
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Jacob, 7, congenital heart disease › I wish to stay at a beach house
She has been playing every day and started streaming already. You truly made our Allie come alive again. Thank you again so much for helping us make her dream come true.”
W I S H S TO R Y
Levi’s outdoor shed provides a world of possibilities and excitement
I wish to have an outdoor shed Levi, 16 genetic disorder wish granted Sept. 2020
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
In the several weeks leading up to Levi’s wish reveal, the 16-year-old boy had been asking his parents 15 times a day when his shed would arrive. When the day finally arrived, Levi could not hold in his excitement. “This [wish] has been one of the things keeping Levi going during the pandemic because it’s been such a difficult time to stay at home,” Levi’s dad, Jeremy, explained. “Whenever he starts to struggle and not understand, we look forward to this day. We remind him that ‘Hey, you may not be able to do this right now, but your wish is coming.’ It’s pretty special to still be able to have a wish granted during the pandemic.” Levi, of Alden, was born with a genetic condition that resulted in a congenital heart condition as well as a missing kidney, among numerous other challenges. When his cardiologist referred him to Make-AWish, Levi wished for an outdoor shed
Ethie, top, with wish kid Makayla and wish mom Nicole during a visit to Teeny Tiny Toy Store in 2019.
Ethie Haworth named Philanthropist of the Year Make-A-Wish® America named Ethie Haworth as the 2020 Philanthropist of the Year for her impact on the Make-A-Wish mission. Haworth, of Saugatuck, was first introduced to MakeA-Wish when her grandson Samuel experienced his wish adventure in 2008. Since then, the Haworths continue to elevate their giving. Ethie’s Teeny Tiny Toy Store in Saugatuck has been the lead sponsor for Wish Ball – West Michigan for six years with plans to continue. As a champion for the MakeA-Wish mission, the Haworths made a generous gift in the early stages of a fundraising campaign to address the current financial need to grant wishes in Michigan. “Friends like Ethie are vital to the Make-A-Wish mission,” said Ellie Wilcox, senior director of leadership giving for MakeA-Wish Michigan. “Not only because they help us by giving their time, talent and treasure to Make-A-Wish Michigan, but because she is a wonderful advocate for the work that we do at Make-A-Wish. When Ethie shares the story about her grandson’s wish, people listen. When Ethie talks about what the mission means to her, other people are inspired to get involved.”
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With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2020
like the one he had at his family’s former house before they moved years ago. “Most kids when they’re 16 are excited about getting their driver’s license,” Levi’s mom, Sarah, said. “That’s not in the future for Levi right now. He wants to feel like a big kid. This is a place where he can hang out, play his ukulele and have his friends over.” Pure joy adorned Levi’s face when his wish was granted. Not only was he excited about the activities he could enjoy right now, but the fun that awaits him this winter. His shed sits near the bottom of the family’s sledding hill, so the family plans to enjoy warming up in his shed with hot chocolate after sledding. “When you go through something really difficult, it’s just so unique and special to see a smile on his face and how happy he is to get this gift,” Jeremy said. “Make-A-Wish helps those dreams come true.”
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Make-A-Wish Michigan has an exciting lineup of upcoming events in 2021
Why I support Make-A-Wish Michigan
Turn your steps into wishes at the 23rd annual Walk For Wishes - Southeast Michigan in May 2021. Make-A-Wish Michigan continues to grant wishes in the midst of the pandemic. Register today to help make a difference in the lives of the more than 850 Michigan children in need of a wish come true.
“At DTE, we certainly aspire to be a force for good in the communities where we live and serve. Make-AWish is an incredible organization, and it really connects to your heart in a fundamental way if you care about family and if you care about children. There’s a strong connection there personally and a strong connection with DTE.”
Register today at WalkForWishesMI.org to help grant wishes!
– JERRY NORCIA, P R E S I D E N T & C E O, DT E E N E RG Y
WALK FOR WISHES ® SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
WISH-A-MILE ® BICYCLE TOUR Michigan kids battling critical illnesses need your support and the hope that a wish provides. By participating in the 34th annual Wish-AMile® Bicycle Tour, you can play an important role in raising funds to help grant transformational wishes to kids throughout the state. Join dedicated cyclists and volunteers on July 22–25, 2021 to ride for wishes for Michigan kids. Our top priority is the safety of our wish kids and families, volunteers, riders, supporters and staff. We are planning for an in-person WAM event, but we are prepared to make adjustments if COVID-19 prevents us from safely gathering together in person.
“These are beautiful, powerful stories. I have the privilege in my job to share these stories regularly, and we forget what it does for someone’s soul when you see good being done for others, especially that random act of goodness. I think that’s what Make-A-Wish offers. You offer all of us the chance to get involved and to help make change happen and to help heal families.”
They Wish. We Ride. Register today at WishAMile.org!
– MARANDA, WOOD TV8
VIRTUAL WAM RAISES MORE THAN $1.4 MILLION
WHEN STARS ALIGN, A COMMUNITY GIVES HOPE
WISH BALL CELEBRATES EVERYDAY HEROES
More than 900 riders participated in the Virtual Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour 2020 over the summer to raise critical funds for Make-A-Wish Michigan. The event, sponsored by Eaton Corporation, featured riders logging miles in their respective communities or even on a Peloton. Two virtual programs took place to celebrate riders’ fundraising efforts and to share inspiring wishes taking place throughout the summer.
The virtual 2020 When Stars Align event, sponsored by Teeny Tiny Toy Store, featured a very special wish kid named Hope and highlighted the lifechanging impact of a wish come true. Maranda of WOOD TV8 emceed the program on Saturday, Sept. 19. If you were not able to watch the livestream, you can still catch it on YouTube at michigan.wish.org/WSA2020.
Attendees of the virtual 2020 Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan, presented by DTE Energy Foundation, witnessed the impact of a wish come true, celebrated everyday heroes and donated vital funds to help bring hope to Michigan children. The livestream of this inspiring evening, emceed by Brad Galli of WXYZ-TV, aired on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the support of lead sponsor Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Thanks to the generosity of Arby’s Foundation, all donations up to a cumulative $50,000 were matched at the event. If you missed the event, chaired by Josie and Jerry Norcia, you can watch it on YouTube at michigan.wish.org/ wishball2020.
Lead Sponsor, Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour
Lead Sponsor, When Stars Align
Presenting Sponsor, Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan
With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2020
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Headquarters 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 Brighton, MI 48114 800.622.9474 michigan.wish.org
Hope, 4, brain cancer I wish to have a playset “The experience gave Hope something to look forward to. It will also stay with her for years to come. Her brain cancer severely weakened her right side, but the rock wall and rope ladder force her to use both arms and legs. This will give her the strength and muscle development needed for the future.� You can be the difference maker for Michigan kids like Hope. Make-A-Wish Michigan continues to grant wishes, yet our fundraising efforts have been significantly impacted during this challenging time. By pledging your monthly support, you can help transform the lives of kids in your community every month, all year.
F O L L O W U S @ M A K E AW I S H M I
I wish to have a room redo Ava, 14 cancer
Become a monthly donor at michigan.wish.org/donate.
DONATE AT MICHIGAN.WISH.ORG/BRINGJOY
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
