The Power of a Wish

Sometimes, giving back transforms our lives in ways we never imagined. Long-time donor and volunteer Gail Buchanan Kiser shares her story of how hope and joy can not only impact a wish child and their family — but a whole community.

In 2011 , some of the staff from Shamrock Environmental, the company that Gail Buchanan Kiser founded in 1994, met with a team member from Make-A-Wish at a restaurant in Clarksburg, WV. That was the meeting that really sealed the deal for Gail, jump starting her relationship with Make-A-Wish. “Once you hear one story or see the impact a wish makes on one child, how can somebody not want to help?”

Gail remembers one particularly meaningful wish that was revealed

Gail Buchanan Kiser

Over the years, Gail worked to make Make-A-Wish a part of the company’s culture. Employees would often ask, ‘When are we going to donate a wish this year? What will it be?’ In response, she would tell them, “We’re able to do this because of you.”

Gail has four daughters: Christine, Jennifer, Brittany, and Ashley. “I have four healthy children, and I am aware and blessed by that,” says Gail. “I just can’t imagine how anyone could see a sick child and not want to help them. I can’t imagine.”

Gail continues, “To see the parents and wish child so happy, it makes it all worthwhile. It’s really a nobrainer to bring this level of joy to a child, family, community and my workplace.”

Gail says Make-A-Wish is just as important to her husband, Greg. They’ve been business partners since 2004 and recently got married two years ago.