Ella, 9, Honolulu brain tumor
Photo: Simply Baby Photography
I wish to go to Walt Disney WorldÂŽ
2018
was a year of transformation for
This theme of growth and transformation also
Make-A-Wish Hawaii. We closed out
permeates every element of the work we do, and
a successful 35th anniversary celebration, granted
every wish come true. As you’ll see in these pages,
91 local wishes, 1,251 visiting wishes, and saw
a wish can spark imagination and encourage children
significant change in our operations and leadership.
to see life beyond illness. It can deliver strength and
After more than seven years of diligent, passionate
provide respite to a family coping with seemingly
work, my predecessor and former CEO and President
endless medical needs. It can touch the hearts of
Siana Hunt departed, leaving a legacy that will
donors who witness the impact of their gift, and it
continue to inspire our organization as we enter
can inspire the friends, neighbors, volunteers, and
this new chapter. While this change is significant,
medical partners who all play important roles along
it is truly another step in our journey. In fact, Make-
the journey of a wish.
A-Wish Hawaii has been ever-changing since its inception in 1982. What started as a small nonprofit
I am honored to join this organization and all of you as
in the corner of founder Jack Stanford’s insurance
we continue to transform the lives of local keiki, their
office in downtown Honolulu has grown to be one
ohana, and community partners across Hawaii.
of the busiest Make-A-Wish chapters in the world. And our work is still far from done. Now, it is our
Mahalo and Best Wishes,
vision to extend our reach, to continue to serve each island community and grow our presence, and to grant wishes to every eligible child in the state of Hawaii.
Trini Kaopuiki Clark Make-A-Wish Hawaii President & CEO
I wish to go to Walt Disney WorldÂŽ
Photo: Simply Baby Photography
Kanoa, 4, Ewa Beach leukemia
LEADERSHIP BOA R D O F D IR EC TO R S Todd Apo Rachel Bradley Cal Chipchase Daniel Chun Erik DeRyke Brigitte Egbert Alyson Helwagen Jeff Higashi
(below)
Scott Higashi Melissa Jackson Kim Tomlinson Jones Gregory Kugle Kristina Lockwood Matt Luckett Marissa MacNaughton Jon Murakami
YO U N G LE A D ER S BOA R D Megan Abbott Joswick Elisa Asato Katie Kaanapu Kellan Briones James Ka Corey Campbell Michelle Kaneshiro Sasha Capone Ron Kano Ryan Chavoustie Davin Kazama Colleen Ching Janice Kim Jenn Chiu Nicole Kim Kristin Chong Phil Leroy Marisa Guerrero Toni Maehara Michelle Hee Allison Maertens Keslie Hui Tricia Matsukawa Todd Iacovelli Rene Matsumura Jed Inductivo MED I C A L A DV IS O RY BOA R D David Kurahara, M.D. Keith Abe, M.D. Wade Kyono, M.D. Jeremy Edwards, M.D. Parnell Mattison, M.D. John Harrington, M.D. Charles Neal, M.D. Matthew Ho, M.D. Maura O’Donnell, M.D. Jeremy King, M.D. Robert Pederson, M.D. Jessica Kosut, M.D.
Terry Murphy Kevin Pena Manoj Samaranayake Keri Shepherd Dean Spagnoli Brian Wong
Ashley Nagaoka Song Omura Debbie Padello Cayenne Pe’a Brianne Randle Kristina Rau Matthew Sasaki Erin Shon Alika Simpson Megan Mieko Tsuchida Ryan Kalei Tsuji Patty Van Kuran
Mark Pian, M.D. Wesley Sugai, M.D. Tamara Todd, M.D. Brian Wu, M.D.
I wish to go to Hobbiton
Photos: (left) Kevin Lubera, (right) Rayen Watanabe
Atlas, 7, Honolulu cystic fibrosis
I wish to have a Harry Potter hideaway Pomai, 17, Laie lymphoma
Photos: Abe McAulton and Rayen Watanabe
P
omai is a dreamer. When she’s not stargazing
stargaze, read and dream about the future. With the
or drawing, she loves being transported to
help of countless donors and local volunteers, North
other worlds through books, particularly to the
Shore-based Noma Home Builders spent months
wizarding world of Harry Potter. For Pomai, the
designing and building the magical hideaway. “We
magic isn’t just in the spells or the Quidditch games;
want every aspect of it to be amazing and for people
it’s in the hope that one can overcome anything
to feel a sense of awe and wonder,” said Chris Sutter,
with a little determination and imagination. When
who spearheaded the project.
Pomai was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December of 2015, it was a complete shock to her
Soon, it was time for Pomai’s wish to come true.
and her family. While Pomai continued to dream of
Surrounded by family, friends,and all those who came
other worlds, her own had suddenly become riddled
together to make her wish a reality, Pomai was eager
with chemotherapy and medical appointments.
to see her imagination come to life. Amid the palm trees of Hawaii had sprung Hagrid’s Hut, a brass bat
Pomai’s mother Lilia heard about Make-A-Wish
perched on the roof. Inside, magical odds and ends
Hawaii at work and approached her daughter with
lined the room, complete with Harry Potter-themed
the possibility of a wish. “It gave her a space to dream
décor, a skylight to stargaze through, and even a few
and imagine in the midst of chemo and all that comes
magic wands–the perfect space for a budding witch
with that,” she said. “Her eyes would light up and she
or wizard.
would just toss around ideas.” Now, Pomai has a place to call her own—a place Pomai wished for a Harry Potter-themed hideaway
to dream about the future and envision a life
where she could escape the stress of her illness,
without illness.
F
ifteen-year-old James has always loved hip hop. And in the midst of his cancer diagnosis, he found joy in making his own music. James began writing and recording music in his bedroom, creating beats and experimenting with rap as a release from the stress of his cancer treatments. James even coined his own rapper name and worked with his brother to record his first music video. So, when it was time to choose his wish, there was no hesitation: James wished to have his very own production studio.
James, 15, Kaneohe leukemia
A few weeks later, James’s wish granters set up his new equipment in his bedroom and surprised him when got home. “I love the speakers and all the equipment!” said James. “It made me super happy because I can make great music now…even when I feel sick from my chemo medicine!” For James and his family, this wish has provided hope for the future. James was so inspired by his experience at MELE in particular that he’s currently applying to the program through the Early College Program at his school. “[This experience] really made him look to the future and plan for what he can be doing years from now rather than focusing on the treatment he’s having to suffer through right now,” said James’s mom, Jonelle. “He wants to use the equipment to further his music skills and hopefully make a career out of it!” Microphone in hand and dreams of the future within reach, James’s advice to other wish kids is simple: “Make sure you ask for something really cool!”
Photos: Rayen Watanabe
I wish to have my own music production studio
As a kickoff to his wish, James’s wish granters took him to the Music & Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) Program at Honolulu Community College, a unique program that promotes the business and profession of music in Hawaii. James lit up listening to current and former MELE students explain more about the program. He bobbed his head to the beat as they shared their own work, and he excitedly collaborated with them as he recorded his very own track in the studio. James also had the opportunity to tour local radio company Ohana Broadcast, where he learned how to spin with DJ Jimmy Taco (pictured), introduced some of today’s top hits on the radio, and even got to record an intro for his new track!
I wish to meet Rosanna Pansino Harper, 7, Wahiawa cancer
S
even-year-old Harper has a big personality. Her mother Erin describes her as “kind of a
nerdy kid” who loves video games and comic books. So, when she discovered YouTube baking sensation Rosanna “Ro” Pansino’s Nerdy Nummies series, she was hooked. Harper’s love of baking and the Nerdy Nummies series has been getting her through her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that affects the body’s tissues. “I had to have chemo and biopsies and radiation, all in a short time,” she said. “The wish helped me be able to forget about all that for a time.” When Harper was surprised with Ro’s entire line of baking products and a video of Ro herself saying that they would be decorating cake pops with her, “she literally fell on the floor!” described Erin. Harper soon met 10-year-old wish kid Leah from Oklahoma, who had the very same wish! The girls each met Ro one at a time and exchanged gifts before decorating tropical, ocean-themed cake pops, taking selfies, recording a fun music video, and playing games. Ro also joined the girls the next day at our 35th anniversary and World Wish Day celebration before saying goodbye. Rosanna, who has worked with Make-A-Wish in the past, said, “It was amazing being a part of Leah and Harper’s wish. Both girls are sweethearts; they have so much personality and so much humor. It makes my soul happy.” As it turns out, the wish was as good for the body as it was for the soul. Erin said that Harper’s labs at her next appointment were higher than they’d been in months. Harper told the nurse, “I’m happy, so my blood is happy!” Mahalo to Rosanna Pansino for granting this amazing wish, Sheraton Waikiki for hosting Harper and Leah, Cake Works for providing the cake pops and supplies, and Williams Sonoma for conducting a cooking class and baking a cake with the girls following their meeting with Rosanna. This wish is truly an example of the many hands that come together to create life-changing experiences for our keiki.
Photo: Rayen Watanabe
I wish to have a beach-access wheelchair Jake, 17, Kailua endocrine disorder
S
eventeen-year-old Jake is guaranteed to make you laugh. He has that effect on nearly everyone he meets, with his big personality and quick wit. “He’s funny, he’s mischievous…he laughs just the best belly laugh,” his mom, Heidi, explains, as she starts to tear up.
Jake’s personality has added much-needed levity throughout even the most difficult periods of coping with his illness, a journey that began when he was diagnosed with a rare enzyme deficiency at just 6 months old. Since then, Jake’s parents have monitored his condition, sought out the best medical care, and adapted—doing everything in their power to make Jake’s life as ‘normal’ as possible. And despite two neck surgeries, hospital stays, and weekly IVs, they succeeded. Today, Jake is like any other high schooler in a lot of ways. He goes to school, he does his homework, he plays video games, and he hangs out with his friends. He just happens to also use a wheelchair. In fact, Jake has three different motorized wheelchair scooters: one that he uses at home, a large one that can elevate like a cherry picker to allow him to reach different heights, and one smaller version of the latter that serves as a backup. “The one weakness is that on any type of terrain… they don’t go,” said Jake’s dad, Doug. “They get stuck. That’s always been a limitation.” When Jake was younger, Doug would take him as far as his stroller would allow and carry him the rest of the way down to the
local beach. Once Jake became a teenager, that option became less feasible. So, despite living just blocks from the beach in Kailua, the family hardly went, as it was one of the few logistical challenges they hadn’t been able to overcome. While Jake never complained, he still dreamed of the independence that an all-terrain wheelchair would provide. When his wish granters approached him, Jake knew without hesitation that this was his one true wish. Jake’s wish became a reality thanks to a generous donation from local Aloha apparel company Reyn Spooner. “We were inspired by Jake’s positive attitude and desire to enjoy his backyard beach,” said Lynne Koplin, CEO of Reyn Spooner. “It was extremely special for us to share the Aloha spirit and help make his wish come true. We hope that Jake will now get to spend many hours wheeling along the sand and creating special memories with his friends and family.” In fact, Jake and his family have been to the beach every weekend since his wish was granted. “I am loving the freedom that Jake has to roam and explore,” said Heidi. “It’s like giving him a new set of legs, a set of legs that can get him where we haven’t been able to.” But the best is certainly yet to come. Said Doug, “It has opened doors for so many possibilities in his life, we can’t fully imagine them.”
I wish to meet the Golden State Warriors David, 17, Kailua-Kona lymphoma
CORPORATIONS WISH VISIONARY
Macy’s Corporate Services Inc. SimplicityHR by Altres
WISH GRANTER
Air Canada Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. Castle Resorts & Hotels Enterprise Holdings Hawaii Family Dental Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa Locations Hawaii Monarch Insurance Services, Inc. ProService Hawaii R.M. Towill Corporation Reyn Spooner Royal Contracting Co., Ltd. The Howard Hughes Corp. The MacNaughton Group
WISH CHAMPION
Accuity LLP Alaska Airlines Aloun Farms Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Bank of Hawaii Cades, Schutte, Fleming & Wright Case Lombardi & Pettit DB Grill First Hawaiian Bank Pearlridge Branch First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina G70 Ganir & Co. Pacific Rim Commercial Services Gray, Hong, Nojima & Associates, Inc. Hawaii BioWaste Systems Hawaii Pacific Health Organization Hawaii Stage & Lighting Hawaiiana Management Company, Limited Hawaii-Western Management Group, Inc. Healthways Healy Plastic Surgery Honolulu Magazine Insight Imaging Hawaii Island Honda Island Insurance Companies KHON2 Ky International, Inc. Mercedes Benz of Honolulu MW Group, Ltd. Old Republic Title and Escrow of Hawaii, Ltd. Pacific Historic Parks Pacific Telecommunications Council Par Hawaii, Inc. Philpotts Interiors Road Builders Corp. Shirokiya Holdings Inc.
Sullivan, Meheula, Lee, LLLP. Ward Management Dev Comp, LLC.
WISH PARTNER
9th Mission Support Command Accumulus Advisors Anheuser Busch BAE Systems First Hawaiian Bank - Waikiki Hawaii HIS Corporation Hawaii News Now Honolulu Coffee Company Hyatt Regency Maui JTB Hawaii Inc. KCK Investments, Inc. Latin Riderz MC Honolulu Lazy L Ranch Matsukawa Insurance Agency Oahu Publications Queen’s Medical Center Roberts Hawaii Su-Mo Builders Inc. T & T Tinting Specialists The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas Title Guaranty of Hawaii, Inc. United Laundry Services Watanabe Floral WTC Oahu Investor, LLC. Young’s Market Company
WISH CIRCLE
2424 Kalakaua Associates Advertising Associates Air Methods Alakona Corporation Armstrong Produce Bays, Lung, Rose & Holma Attorneys at Law Becker Communications Central Pacific Bank Charley’s Taxi & Tours Cirrius Development, LLC. Coffman Engineers Deke Hawaii Inc. DTRIC Insurance Company Element Development Eskimo Candy FHB Marketing Fund GEICO Hertz Corp. Home Bridge Financial K and S Hawaiian Creations Inc. Kai Coffee Hawaii Kaizen Baseball Kawailoa Development, LLP. Lahaina Petroleum, LLC. Lucky Strike Social HQ Mari’s Gardens, LLC. McDonald’s MMI Realty Services MPC Morales Fund Oahu Waste Services Office Depot Orange Theory Fitness P3 Management LLC. Pacific Guardian Life Ph 006 Sig Zane Designs Tropic Fish Hawaii
*Based on calendar year 2018
UAH Golf Waikiki Lulu’s Welakahao Catamaran, Inc. Xpedite, LLC.
WISH FRIEND
Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Alohacare Bountiful Properties & Investments, Inc. Brow Bar & Medispa, LLC. Cinnamon’s Family Restaurant, Ltd. CSRA HQ D. Otani Produce Darcy Fiero Photography Diamond Head Memorial Park, Ltd. Environ Control, Inc. First Hawaiian Bank BSA Division Hawaii Kansha Foundation Hilton Waikiki Beach Honolulu Transport Services, LLC. Mauka To Makai Notary, LLC. Ohana Broadcasting Company, Inc. Pacific Transfer Security Solutions, LLC. Star Protection Agency, LLC. Steven Boyle Design Vanguard Solutions, Inc.
IN-KIND 3.1 Phillip Lim - Waikiki Aaron’s Dive Shop ABC Supply Co. Inc. Airbnb, Inc. Alaska Airlines Ali’i Lei Greeters All Metals Maui All Out Access, LLC. Angels Touch Cleaning Aqua Kauai Beach Resort Archipelago Hawaii, Luxury Home Design Art Source & Designs Artizen by MW Asato Family Shop Aston Kaanapali Shores Aston Poipu Kai Aston Shores at Waikoloa Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel Aston Waikiki Beach Tower Aston Waikiki Sunset Atlantis Adventures Atlantis Resort ATV Outfitters Hawaii/Kohala Ditch Adventures Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Avis Budget Group Inc. Bali Boo Best Buy - Iwilei Best Mobility Products Beyond Pilates Studio Big Kahuna Adventures Bishop Museum Bite Me Sportsfishing Bite Squad Black Sand Publishing Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Blue Nun Sportfishing
BMW of Honolulu Body Glove Hawaii Brandon Smith Photography Butler and Badou Portraits Caesar’s Palace Castle Resorts & Hotels Chief’s Luau Clark Little Photography, Hawaii CLIMB Works Keana Farms Darcy Fiero Photography Dave and Buster’s Hawaii Diamond Head Home Inspections Disney Store Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. Disneyland Paradise Pier Hotel Disneyland Theme Park DJ Paul Brandon Dole Plantation Dolphin Quest Hawaii Dolphin Quest Oahu Drums of the Pacific Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp Elite Island Resorts Carribean Endless Pools Enterprise Holdings Equus Hotel Erin Austin Jewelry Exerplay Fair Wind Cruises Fairmont Kea Lani FitMax Inc. FlashLab Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina FOX News Gamestop Give Kids The World Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Grand Wailea Resort Gray Taxidermy Great Wolf Lodge Green Energy Gucci America Inc. Gunstock Ranch H2O Sports Hawaii LLC. Haleakala Bike Company Halekulani Corporation Halekulani Hotel Hawaii Air Cargo Hawaii Dept of Parks and Recreation Hawaii Estate And Jewelry Buyers Hawaii Forest and Trail Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors Hawaii Outdoor Guides Hawaii Prince Golf Course Hawaii Self Storage Hawaii Stage & Lighting Hawaii Turtle Tours Hawaiian Aroma Caffe Hawaiian Optics LLC. Hawaiian Railway Society Healani Land Company Hike Maui Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Hawaiian Village Hilton Oakland Airport Hotel Hilton Waikiki Beach Hilton Waikoloa Village Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf
Holokai Catamaran Holokino Hawaii LLC. Honda Windward Honolulu Coffee Company Honolulu Cookie Company Honolulu Magazine Honolulu Zoo Honsador Lumber Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Hyatt Regency Maui Hyatt Regency Orange County Hyatt Regency San Francisco Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa Hybrid Electrical Services Ikaika Fitness, LLC. Indich Collection Iosepa Electric and General Contracting Ironwood Ranch Island Club and Spa - Honolulu Island Watersports Hawaii Jack’s Hawaii, Inc. Jamba Hawaii Jams World Kaanapali Golf Courses Kahoma Ranch Kailua Beach Adventures Kalama Hardwoods Kanile’a Ukulele Kapualei Ranch Karma Hill Photography Kauai Back Country Adventures Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club Kauai North Shore Limousine Kauai Sea Tours Knott’s Berry Farm Ko Olina Golf Club Ko Olina Ocean Adventures Ko’a Kea Hotel Resort, Poipu Koa Pancake House Kohanaiki Kona Brewing Company Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club Laie Trucking & Ready Mix Co. Legoland Leilani Pottery Leis of Hawaii Living808 Lucky Strike Social MA Limousine and Transportation Macy’s - Ala Moana Magic of Polynesia Magnum Helicopters Maile’s Thai Bistro Makani Kai Helicopters Makk Studios Mark Brown Fine Art Hawaii Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club Mattress Firm Maui Adventure Cruises Maui Brewing Company - Lahaina Maui Classic Charters Maui Ocean Center Maui Zipline Company Mauna Kea Beach Hotel McDonald’s Restaurant of Hawaii, Inc. Meadow Gold Hawaii
Medieval Times Meg Bradyhouse Merriman’s Waimea Mid-Pacific Audio Visual Moana Surfrider Hotel Mokulele Airlines Monica Lau Photography Montage Kapalua Bay National Car Rental Niche Models and Talent NITAesthetics Noka Welding Solutions NOMA Home Builders North Shore Shark Adventures Norwegian Cruise Line Oahu Contracting, LLC. Oahu Electric, Inc. Oahu Nature Tours Oahu Publications Ocean Joy Cruises Ohana Surf Project Old Navy Outrigger Reef Hotel Oxygen To Go Pacific Air Cargo Pacific Dream Photography Pacific Historic Parks Pacific Home Pacific Islands Club Guam Pacific Jet Ski Rentals, Inc. Pacific Whale Foundation Palm Tree Photography Pana Drywall Paradigm Paradise Cove Luau Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Homes Paradise Pier Hotel Pegge Hopper Gallery Philpotts Interiors Pictures Plus Piiholo Ranch Pizza Corner Platinum Limousine Service Polynesian Adventure Tours Polynesian Cultural Center PPG Paints Pride of Maui Princeville Ranch Adventures Pua Manu MedSpa Raelynn, Inc. Rainbow’s Drive-In Rappel Maui Restaurant 604 Reyn Spooner Rhema Services Riches Kahala RKT Media Hawaii, LLC. RMA Sales Robert Palma Designs Roberts Hawaii Royal Hawaiian Center Saks Fifth Avenue - Waikiki Sand People Schaper Hawaii Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop Sea Life Park Sea World Sean Michael Hower Photography Sheraton Kauai Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa Sheraton Maui Sheraton Universal Hotel Sheraton Waikiki Skydive Hawaii
Skyline Eco-Adventures Hawaii Smith & Kings SoHa Living Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Hawaii Spa Abhasa SpeediShuttle LLC. Star of Honolulu Starlight Luau Start Me Up Sportfishing Maui Steven Boyle Design Stripsteak Waikiki Sunshine Helicopters Kauai Sunshine Helicopters Kona Sunshine Helicopters Maui Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club The Beverly Hilton The Kahala Resort & Hotel The Plaza Club The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort The St. Regis Princeville Resort The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali Thomas Deir Studios Total Landscape Management Transair Hawaii Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk Turtle Bay Golf Turtle Bay Resort Twilight Audio Two Crows Hawaii UFO Parasail - Lahaina UFO Parasail Kona UH Baseball Ulu Mana Hawaiian Hummus Universal Studios - Hollywood Universal Studios - Orlando Velocity Volcano Van Vows in Hawaii Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Waikiki Beach Services Waikiki BeachComber Waikiki Parc Hotel Waikoloa Beach Marriott Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Walter Vorfeld and Associates Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar Wayne’s Lumber Inc. Wet Band Wet N Wild Hawaii Whipsaw Sportfishing Wilde Sparrow Photography Co. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Wy’s Galleries
EVENTS WISH! IN THE WILD WEST Steven & Nan Baker Arnold & Josephine Baptiste James & Tammy Beaumont Nelson & Aileen Befitel Evamarie Belardo Ricky Brewer Robert & Melissa Bruhl Tai Cheng Rick Cho
Daniel Chun Mark Clement Tom & Jessica Crabtree Erik & Konane Steve Dollar Mark & Lianne Driessen Robert & Brigitte Egbert Ryan Fitzpatrick Gregg Fujimoto Jefferson Gerard Walter & Jacqueline Guild Anthony & Siana Hunt Justin & Traci Ihara Andrea Kia Jamie Kim Kevin & Mihee Kondo Scott Larimer & James Wright Frederick & Judy Lau Henry & Monica Lau Aubrey Lee Kristina Lum Ashley Maranich James & Peter Mateo Alan & Marilee Mattson Mr. & Mrs. Robert McFarlane Mary McGrath Cindy McMackin Joe Medwetz Candes Meijide Gentry Sunny Mudd Ryan Nakaima Rick Nakashima Charles Neal & Maria Felix-Neal Fred & Ginger Noa Frank Okimoto Debbie Padello Laurie Paganelli Charlie Parker Robert & Anita Pedersen Mark & Patty Pian Matt Prainito Esther Roberts Kalani & Elizabeth Rodrigues Daniel & Tara Schaberg Renoa Souza Dean & Tara Spagnoli Jonathan & Kelly Steiner Mr. & Mrs. Winston Taniguchi Emily Tom Tracy Tonaki Aaron & Katherine Wallen Vikram & Tanya Watumull Guy Michael White Derek & Rachel Wickes Nani Wight Marilyn Zilber Coffman Engineers Conley Family Foundation DTRIC Insurance Company First Insurance Company of Hawaii Charitable Foundation Pacific Guardian Life Steven Boyle Design T & T Tinting Specialists W F Reilly Foundation TABLE SPONSORS Accuity LLP Alaska Airlines Aloun Farms Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Bays, Lung, Rose & Holma Attorneys at Law Scott & Rachel Bradley
Cades, Schutte, Fleming & Wright Case Lombardi & Pettit Castle Resorts & Hotels DB Grill Enterprise Holdings First Hawaiian Bank Pearlridge Branch First Insurance Company of Hawaii Charitable Foundation Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina G70 Gray, Hong, Nojima & Associates, Inc. Hawaii BioWaste Systems Hawaii Family Dental Hawaii Stage & Lighting Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Hawaii-Western Management Group, Inc. Honolulu Coffee Company Honolulu Magazine Anthony & Siana Hunt Insight Imaging Hawaii Island Insurance Foundation Kapiolani Medical Center KHON2 Ky International, Inc. Locations Hawaii Marilyn Zilber Tom McTigue Melissa Jackson Mercedes Benz of Honolulu Monarch Insurance Services, Inc. Morgan Stanley Charles Neal & Maria Felix-Neal MW Group, Ltd. Nan Chul Shin Foundation Old Republic Title and Escrow of Hawaii, Ltd. Pacific Historic Parks Philpotts Interiors ProService Hawaii R.M. Towill Corporation Royal Contracting Co., Ltd. SimplicityHR by Altres, Inc. SOHA Living Sullivan, Meheula, Lee, LLLP. The Howard Hughes Corp. The MacNaughton Group The Schuler Family Foundation
JINGLE ROCK RUN
Enterprise Holdings Foundation Hawaiian Isles Water Company Hawaii Stage & Lighting Hawaii USA FCU Foundation Ohana Broadcasting Company, Inc. Old Republic Title and Escrow of Hawaii, Ltd. Par Hawaii, Inc.
SWING FOR WISHES
Ganir & Company Pacific Rim Commercial Services Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa JD Painting Schindler Elevator Corporation
TRAILBLAZE CHALLENGE TOP FUNDRAISERS Jeanie Anderson Jodi Aurely Rachel Bradley Emily Gyimah Melissa Harper-Osai James Ka Ed Kuoha Eden Monteilh Nikki Moreno Jayme Newhouse Lila Ota Diane Sandlin Agnieszka Wichrowska Celina Yee-Izon
WAFFLES FOR WISHES
Bert A. Kobayashi Island Insurance Companies Matsukawa Insurance Agency Monarch Properties MW Group, Ltd. Premier Barbershop SimplicityHR by Altres The Howard Hughes Corp.
DISHES FOR WISHES/ STAR SALES Big City Diner Cafe Kaila Eggs N’ Things Hula Grill Waikiki MAC 24/7 Teapresso
WINE FOR WISHES
Accumulus Advisors Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach G & C Fleet Services Hawaii News Now Healy Plastic Surgery Ohana Construction Inc. Simplicity HR by Altres Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits Honolulu Star-Advertiser
WOD FOR WISHES CrossFit 808 CrossFit Kuleana CrossFit Oahu CrossFit Zeus Kahala CrossFit Oahu Makena CrossFit
I wish to meet Alex Wassabi Sydnie, 13, Waipahu brain tumor
Maui CrossFit Extreme TeamNEVERquit
EXTERNAL EVENTS BAE Systems Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Brekkie Bowls CCHP Waikiki, LLC. China Uemura Surfing Foundation Da Ohana Christmas Light Show Darcy Fiero Photography Element Development Holokai Catamaran Kaizan Baseball Latin Riderz MC Honolulu Lazy L Ranch Monica Lau Photography Orange Theory Fitness Palola Dental SCCA Hawaii Rally Cross Sig Zane Designs Smiles For Life Foundation Tracy Wright Corvo Photography UAH Golf Waikele Lights WTC Oahu Investor, LLC.
LEGACY GIFTS Lila Jong Living Trust Patricia Louise Beck Trust
GRANTS & FOUNDATIONS WISH VISIONARY
AEG Community Foundation Aloha United Way Bank of Hawaii Foundation Live Kokua First Hawaiian Bank Foundation Kokua Mai Make-A-Wish America Pua Foundation Zilber Family Foundation
WISH GRANTER
Austin Foundation, Inc. Combined Federal Campaign Hawaii Pacific Area First Insurance Company of Hawaii Charitable Foundation Thomas & Sumie McCabe Foundation
WISH CHAMPION
America’s Charities Combined Federal Campaign Enterprise Holdings Foundation Frattarelli Donor Advised Fund Hawaii Community Foundation Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation Oahu Charity Walk Island Insurance Foundation James Haruji Tamura & Fumiko Tamura Foundation John H. Grace Foundation
WISH PARTNER
Conley Family Foundation DTD Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc. Hala Charitable Foundation Hawaii Island United Way, Inc. Kook Min Hur Foundation NFL Foundation
WISH CIRCLE
Albert & Betty OTA Children’s Foundation Castiglione A. Casauria Foundation Jhamandas Watumull Fund Keith and Polly Steiner Family Foundation Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation Kauai Charity Walk
WISH FRIEND
Aranoff Keiki Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Chung Kun Ai Foundation M.B. Wood Foundation Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation Big Island Charity Walk
INDIVIDUALS WISH VISIONARY
Robert & Melissa Bruhl Steven & Marilyn Katzman Ronald & Cindy McMackin Terence & Motoko Murphy Skip Shuck & Melissa Jackson
WISH GRANTER
Arnold & Josephine Baptiste Ricky Brewer Rick Cho Ryan Fitzpatrick Kevin & Mihee Kondo Kevin & Melissa Pena Dean & Tara Spagnoli
WISH CHAMPION
Damien Ah-Nee Scott & Rachel Bradley Erik & Konane DeRyke Jaime Dominguez Robert & Brigitte Egbert Thomas Hulihee Michael & Marie Hicks Anthony & Siana Hunt Todd & Michelle Kaneshiro Jamie Kim Paul & Susan King Henry & Monica Lau John & Mary McGrath Charles Neal & Maria Felix-Neal Robert & Kyoko Palma Mark & Karen Polivka Jade Richardson Chris & Tanisha Souza Stanley & Renee Tomono Will Weinstein Frances Wong Steve Yamane & Ah Young-Yamane Marilyn Zilber
WISH PARTNER
James Arcate Nelson & Aileen Befitel
Donald & Deanna Butler Tai Cheng Derek Ching Tom & Jessica Crabtree Mark & Lianne Driessen Bert & Susan Kobayashi Frederick & Judy Lau Shawn Maddocks James & Peter Mateo Steve & Shyrah Maurer Robert & Sandra McFarlane Justin Montgomery Rick Nakashima Tai & Juliana Paik Benjamin Parish Melinda Polivka Steve & Karen Sato Daniel & Tara Schaberg Muriel Shingle Jonathan & Kelly Steiner Avery Tsui Aaron & Katherine Wallen Adam & Bonnie Wedemeyer Derek & Rachel Wickes Michael Yamamoto
WISH CIRCLE
Carolyn Arakawa Michael Barber Keola Beale Kathy Becker Nelson & Aileen Befitel Ann Botticelli Steven Boyle Karen Brannen Luann Breedlove Robert Cash Ryan Chavoustie & Natsuko Nobeyama Jennifer Chiu Daniel Chun Mark Clement Bradley Coates & Sachiyo Braden Gracie Cockett Jon Conching Maile Cooke
Larry Davis James Duggan Jeremy & Katey Edwards Michelle Edwards John Emery Elle Feng Zhang Glenn & Debbie Furuya Steven Gangwes Jefferson Gerard Joey & Noe Gomez Todd Goode Walter & Jacqueline Guild Warren Hassett & Tehani Ebalei Michelle Hee Barb Hegarty Jeff & Gina Higashi John Hoffee Michael Hotta Keslie & Miki Hui Kris & Aimee Hui Steven & Nanette Hwang Todd Iacovelli Sara Jones Steven Jones James Ka Jennifer Kahunahana Davin & Noelani Kazama Sharon Keahiolalo Andrea Kia Miles & Suzette Kimhan Rachel Kitagawa Cynthia Knudson Scott Larimer John Leslie Kristina Lockwood Kristina Lum Thomas Macivor Malcolm MacNaughton Craig & Virginia Maddocks Toni Maehara Karen Matsumoto Alan & Marilee Mattson David McCaffrey Monte Mccomber Robert & Sandra McFarlane Thomas McTigue Joe Medwetz
Aaron Mersberg Alicia Michioka Pamela Mosen Ritchie & Sunny Mudd Jon & Lori Murakami Ryan Nakaima Fred Noa Frank Okimoto Joymarie Osbon Barbara Page Michael & Diane Pang Jackson Parker
Cayenne Pe’a Robert & Anita Pedersen Mark & Patty Pian Matt Prainito Steve Rodolfich Kalani & Elizabeth Rodrigues David & Heather Rochlen George & Diane Sandlin Dana Shaffer David Simons Homer Snyder Javier Sologuren Bryan Stuttgen David Sullivan Brian Suzuki Jay Sweet Leanne Tahara
Emily Tom Tracy Tonaki Bran-Dee Torres Dan Tow Patricia Van Kuran Ben Vance Daniel Vierra Miles Watanabe Guy Michael White William & Lynn White Hal Wilkerson Anthony Witecki
Elaine Wright Ben Yamamoto Garrett Yew Hung Choy Candes & Meijide Gentry
WISH FRIEND
August & Kimberly Agas Harriet Ajimine Samuel Arreza Jennifer Asato Debbie Bacon Peter & May Balding
Francesca Battaglioli James & Tammy Beaumont Evamarie Belardo Donald & Segrid Biddle Jay Bloom Jenna Brown Mollie Bruhl Paul Bursey Marge Callahan Maelia Carter Erle Chan Chue Mark Chochol
Shelley Choi Dennis Chun Steve & Carrie Colon Robert Cormack Ryan Casco Jason Dang Steve Dollar Robert Durkin & Paraluman Stice-Durkin Jodie Emerson Hugh & Brynn Foster Irva Fuchigami
Donohue Fujii Gregg Fujimoto Bernadette Gaspar Veronica Gaspar Peter Gitto Walter & Jacqueline Guild Bradford Harrison Walter Havron Peter Hershorn Joseph Hodnette Sam Hugh Justin & Traci Ihara
Tricia Matsukawa Shawn & Maile Mckay Yuriko McPhaill Maile Mendivil Todd Mills Samuel & Pohai Moku Jody Mukaigawa Celia Noble John & Laurie Paganelli Laurie Paganelli Michelle Pantil Charlie Parker
Patricia Ishii Lisa Johnson Gregory & Kimberly Jones David & Ruthie Kaminskas Wendell Kop & Melba Leong Taryn Kumamoto Eddie Kuoha James & Lynn Lally Aubrey Lee Jon & Jennifer Littenberg Kimberly Lund John Macivor Duncan & Dawn MacNaughton Ian & Marissa MacNaughton Barbara Magnuson Arie Marancenbaum Ashley Maranich Alan & Joyce Matsui
Derek Pavao Hollie Petrus Debbie Ann Purifoy Melissa Retterath Penelope Riddick Esther Roberts Pua Rochlen Clayton Saito Steven & Stephanie Saito Roy & Kathy Sakuma Anne Sasso Trisha Sato Sean Satterfield Michelle Schafer Lisa Setiawati Bryan Shigezawa Jill Sommer Debra Padello Renoa Souza S Strong Wesley Sugai Mak Tagami Tory Tanaka Christine Taniguchi Winston & Stacy Taniguchi Jennifer Tokuda Zola Tomita Ryan Tsuji Lynne Ushijima Jeff Wallace Vikram & Tanya Watumull Rachel Widemann Edwin Wong Kim Wong Ramona Wood-Sword Carol Yakuma Eric Yeaman In Sook Yim Henry Mina Yoon Keith Yoshida Tyler & Ellen Zimmer
KIDS FOR WISH KIDS Hawaii State Ballet Honpa Hongawanji Mission of Hawaii Mililani Middle School Star of the Sea Early Learning Center Voyager - A Public Charter School Wahiawa Elementary School
WHEELS FOR WISHES Mary Abe Matilde Abida Kevin Aboud Brian Aburano Richard Aea Delbert Agena Carolyn Ahulau Kyle Aing Clifton Amba Jocelyn Ancheta Mary Ancheta James Anderson Kimberly Andrada Jayne Arasaki Kimberly Arikawa Edna Armacost Wayne Asam David Aviles Joshua Awa Marvelyn Baker Frances Barnett Edward Bartolini Gary Beaudry Stephanie Belaski Nadine Benanua Elias Beniga Phoebe Benitez Matt Bickel David Blake Russell Borden Roger Bow Rae Boyack Timothy Brauer Steven Brock Harry Brockman Spencer Bryant Jannette Bueno Kekoa Burns Sven Bursell Della Bushnell Stanley Cabanas Henry Cabezas Christopher Campbell Elliot Chang Gordon Chee David Ching Delwin Ching Nicholas Ching Alan Chiu Young Chong Tina Chun Kassandra Cobian-Gutierrez Thomas Coffin Jessica Colocho Christopher Cortes Melvin Cortez Earl Crawford Adelia Cruz Bianchi Bethuel Curameng
Sandra Davis Candido De Guzman Serena Deitch Amanda Delisle Gregory Dobrow Daryl Duldulao Brian Dunkel Charlynn Dunleavy Jeremy Edwards Eric Elkind Jonathan Eng Loisa Escober Anna Faye Eugenio Maurice Eum Michael Evangelista Raymond Farias Jessica Fernandez William Florig Bernardo Fontanilla Karl Forage Edwin Fujimoto Janet Fujinaga Keith Fujita Sonya Galima Don Garces Christine Gardner Alapaki Gomes John Gonsalves Dishon Gonzalez Nelo Gonzalez Allen Goya Kerriann Greer David Grehawick Tiffany Gromlich Nicholas Halpin Russell Hankins Linda-Sue Hansen Mervin Hasegawa Alton Hayashi Debbie Hayashi Aaki John Hayes Emile Hazelwood Daven Hee George Hiatt Kevin Hicks Elizabeth Higashi Wing Ho Allen Hoe Jonathan Holshue Elizabeth Holthaus Larry Iboshi Ali Imessaoudene Davin Ing Joyce Ingram-Chinn Craig Inouye Susan Inouye Clarence Izawa Jose Jamir Ian Jingao Hannah Johnson Kevin Johnson Timothy Johnson David Johnston Debbie Jones Mary Joy Ramos Keoni Kahoano Dexter Kaiama Kuulei Kaluhiokalani Faith Kanegawa Roy Kanemura Dean Kaneshiro David Kawasaki Yoko Kaya
Rodney Kazama Christina Keaulana Jarrod Kellogg Ranceford Kido Elizabeth Kiefer Nathan Kina Iris Kinerney Rachel King Darwin Kipilii Kalvin Ko Cristy Kohagura Shu-Lee Kondo Jeffery Krusel Andrew Michael Kuffler Lawrence Kuranaka Derek Lee Thomas Lee Beth Lei Rhm Anthony Leiggi Jose Lemus Bob Lew Jie Li Justinn Lim David Lin Arturo Lloren Troy Loker Herman Lorenzo Christopher Lott Lindsey Lubrano Nghia Luong Jonas Lutz Asther Lynn Kau Laura Lyons Lawrence Madkins Maryann Mahiai Lawrence Maldonadio John Manaut Gerald Manipon Kayla Marcos Kristopher Marr Michelle Marra Coralee Massie Stephany Matsushina Courtney Mattson Stephen May James McDowell Lucy Medeiros Gayle Mendoza Jane Mendoza Audrey Mikami Priscilla Millen Marian Miller Renee Minami Elaine Miyagi Kimberly Miyahana Marisol Miyaki Michelle Miyata Natalie Miyoshi Sean Mochizuki Sean Mogote Clifford Montgomery Ben Morgan John Morgan Dayton Morinaga Dayton Morita Kelly Morrow Jackie Munoz Nobuko Murakami Kevin Murata Michael Murata Kenric Murayama Ai Nagai Walter Nagai
Gary Nakagawa John Nakama Fumiko Nakamura Ferdinand Nazaire Darryl Nii Roy Nishimura Robert Nomura Ryan Nomura Leland Nye Amber Ogata Lenore Ogawa Sayaka Ogg Suzette Oide Melva Okazaki Walter Oseki Brian Oshiro David Osorio Mark Owens Gearge Oyadomari Kolona Painting Darryn Pait Sandy Palmgren Allan Parker Helen Pascua David Peters Kalae Phillips Heidi Pimental Chris Pivonka Ryan Plaza Kyle Poentis Marcelino Rambuyan Daniel Ramirez Jane Rayner Craig Rayno Poland Richard Myron Richardson Pablo Ripani Charles Robinson Mary Robinson Ray Rochester Camilo Roldan Cristian Romero Scott Ronney Terry Ryckman Tiffany Sabate Jason Saiki Junichi Sakamoto Marvin Sanemitsu Mauricio Santos Shiloh Santos Sandra Sarkissian Gerald Sato Jonathan Satow John Satterfield James Schuler Raynard Sebastian Brian Serdenia Christine Shea Joshua Shequin Ann Shigetomi Marisa Shigetomi Eugene Shih Kathleen Shimabuku Gary Shimabukuro Seisun Shimabukuro Mike Shimamoto Edwin Shimoda Darlene Shimotsu John Sioson Marie Smythe Karen Sotero Sasha Souza John Squeo
Janae Stillwell Francis Stone Michael Stubbings Keith Sueyoshi Lester Sugita Rudy Supnet Eliot Tada Burt Tagaloa Misaki Takabayashi Nadia Takahashi Joan Takamori Chris Takeya Abraham Tanaka Austin Tani Debra Terashima Gregory Thibault Matthew Thorp Athina Tjorvatjoglou Janet Tolentino Victorino Tolentino Jerry Tong Colin Toyota Mariko Tozaki Tito Trafalgar John Trang Gaisaafa Tuatagaloa Edward Tubao Brandon Turner James Turner Kevin Uyeda Sky Uyehara Christopher Ventura Fred Wakugawa Norene Wang Yuchun Wang Jhoana Watson Michael Watters Kathryn Wells Howard Whitehead Parker Widemann Anthony Wilcher Marcus Wilson Carol Wong Darrell Wong Dennis Wong Gary Wong Hanna Wong Kyle Woods Kona Woolsey Paige Yamamoto George Yamashiro Glen Yamashita Steven Yarbrough Richard Yogi Terry Yonamine David Young Zhen Zeng Richard Zimbra Advanced Abacus Associates Big Mountain Bike Rental Corp. Esquire Construction Inc. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa LKL Construction Inc. Mark Development Inc. Molina Engineering Ltd. Osoyami Bar and Grill Peninsula at Hawaii Kai Skyclimber Standard Sheetmetal Mechanical Teds Wiring Service Ltd.
TRIBUTE GIFTS IN MEMORY OF GAY A. AUSTIN WM Owen & Maile Williams
IN MEMORY OF RICHARD SHIGEMURA Helen Shigemura
IN MEMORY OF TRIXIA JANE CABONITA Loida Cabonita
IN MEMORY OF TAMI STEIN Anonymous
IN MEMORY OF WILFRED CASTRO Carol Castro
IN MEMORY OF TODD STEIN Anonymous IN MEMORY OF MIKAHALA TURNER Billie Oliveira
IN MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER CLARK CSRA HQ IN MEMORY OF GRAYSON GOUVEIA Maile Oliveira Ben Wong
IN MEMORY OF ALASDAIR HOSKINS Barbara Magnuson
IN MEMORY OF A. KEALOHA Anthony & Kimberlee Sang
IN MEMORY OF KAZUE & SADAMU NAGATA & KENNETH & GLORIA NAGATA Ann Nagata
IN MEMORY OF CATHERINE KELIIWAIWAIOLE-BASKERVILLE Mario Fuentes
IN HONOR OF MICAH ACOB Nenita Acob
IN MEMORY OF HENRY LEONG Tracy Yamamoto
IN HONOR OF BRAXTON BECNEL Agnes Becnel Larry Becnel & Carroll Rodrigue Timothy & Rachel Becnel Adelaide Bourgeois Bryant Carroll Allen Chenier Jill Coryell Sharon Ferrell Raul & Leisy Gonzalez Evelyn Hayes Leonila Hernandez Troy & Lisa Macaluso
IN MEMORY OF BRIAN ANTHONY MARGATE Gemma Pytel IN MEMORY OF YONEKO MURAOKA Ikito Muraoka IN MEMORY OF CHARLES QUINTON PERKINS Cindy Perkins
Nicole Merchan K. Padbury Ann Palmisano Jane Powell Georgia Reine & Ettie Bernie Lorraine Rodrigue Ronnie & Mona Rodrigue Grace Russo Angelle Stuart Katie Voorhies IN HONOR OF AIDEN R. BOGNER Anonymous IN HONOR OF SIANA A. HUNT Peter & Mary Balding Marlene Johnson Jean Yee IN HONOR OF JULIE K. KOBAYASHI Thomas J. Macivor Shirlyn Young IN HONOR OF PAUL LARSON Duane Riddell IN HONOR OF DONOVAN MAGPANTAY-MONROE Sharon Jensen IN HONOR OF MIKA MAIELUA & ANDREW AFONG Danford & Kimberly Afong IN HONOR OF SUZY MEDEIROS-KANE Trinette Kaui Justin Pascua Manuel Ramalho
IN HONOR OF DONOVAN MONROE Eric Burns Stanley Chung IN HONOR OF VICTORIA MONTERO Renee Carvalho IN HONOR OF KAHAI RAYMOND Michael Raymond IN HONOR OF ROBIN RIBAC Theresa Calbinga IN HONOR OF JASON SMITS Leigh-Ann Ichiki IN HONOR OF NOAH SOSNER Jeremy & Alexandria Sosner IN HONOR OF KENDRICK TOKUDA Lynn Shigemoto IN HONOR OF MAURICE TOKUDA Walter & Faithye Kaneshiro IN HONOR OF ALEXA SANCHEZ Harold & Susan Powley IN HONOR OF ANGELINA Yolanda Remigio IN HONOR OF ROBIN RIBAC & ALLYSON TAMAYOSE Leonila Hernandez
AIMINE ALASDAIR DAMON GEORGE KAYLAN “MOMI GIRL” JODY MAKANANI MICAH PRECIOUS
Photo: Wes Marsala
I wish to be a service dog trainer Selena, 12, Mililani heart condition
W
ith two of her own at home, 13-year-old Selena from Mililani has always loved dogs. They have been a source of comfort throughout her lifelong battle with a critical heart condition and multiple heart surgeries. It wasn’t until she read War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love by Rebecca Frankel, though, that Selena started dreaming of translating her love of dogs into a future career as a service dog trainer. When wish granters Christine and Victoria met Selena, they were immediately taken by her heart. She and Victoria got to work planning Selena’s wish, first enlisting the help of the K-9 unit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) unit, which spent two months collaborating with Make-A-Wish Hawaii to plan the perfect wish reveal.
“When Make-A-Wish reached out to us to help make Selena’s dream a reality, we as a team were beyond excited to be a part of this event,” said JBPHH military working dog trainers Staff Sgt. Justin Leon Guerrero and Staff Sgt. Terry Pasko. “We participate in numerous activities within the community and throughout the military, but nothing quite as personal and heartwarming as this wish reveal for Selena.” Under the ruse of an open house demonstration, Selena arrived at the
K-9 facility with her family to receive a tour of the kennels. She watched a bite demonstration and a simulated police chase, practiced giving commands to the dogs, and participated in a detection demonstration, during which one of the dogs identified a suitcase of interest. Inside the suitcase, Selena found dog toys, treats, and, finally, a blue package containing an itinerary for her upcoming wish. As realization set in, Selena turned to find her family, Make-A-Wish ohana, and the K-9 unit holding wish signs and cheering for her. Soon, it was time for Selena’s wish to come true. She and her family traveled to Santa Rosa, California to visit Canine Companions for Independence, an agency that provides expertly trained assistance dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities free of charge.
After learning all about training techniques and interacting with puppies and dogs in professional training, Selena left Canine Companions full of hope, indicating she might even like to return as a certified instructor someday. Reflecting on her wish experience and all the community supporters near and far who brought her wish to life, Selena said, “It really touched me to see how much you care.”
Photo: Monica Lau Photography
I wish to have an ADA swing set Kanilea, 5, Kailua seizure disorder
T
here’s nothing 5-year old Kanilea enjoys more than spending time with the people she loves. Born with a rare, complex genetic disorder, she is sensitive to light and prone to seizures. Although she’s nonverbal, Kanilea’s personality shines through her bright smile and animated hand gestures when her family and friends gather around. Wish mom Zellie knew exactly what would make the most impact on Kanilea’s life: an ADA swing set. The swing set would give Kanilea her own special play area where she could be surrounded by the people she loves. “I was excited for her to get something I couldn’t give her,” said Zellie. “All we want for her is to experience accessibility.” Many people in the community came together to make Kanilea’s wish come true, including Tardus
Wealth Strategies, which adopted her wish. Volunteers then worked to assemble the ADA swing set and create the perfect space for Kanilea and her family to enjoy. They even built a garden with purple foot pedals that Kanilea can use to water the plants. “Kanilea’s wish is a gift that will last her entire childhood. It was great seeing her big brother on his swing next to her,” said Tanisha Souza, Chief Wealth Coach at Tardus Wealth Strategies. “The entire family could be together as she was having a joyful time. You can’t imagine the feeling.” Zellie was amazed at how many people were there to support them, and she knew that this experience had impacted not only Kanilea, but so many others. “I think Kanilea senses that she is a part of something great,” she said. “She brings people together, and they see what can be when you take the time to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Photo: Abe McAulton
S
eventeen-year-old Marquel sees the world through a different lens than most kids his age. Battling stage 5 chronic kidney disease, Marquel receives dialysis three times a week, and it’s easy for him to feel exhausted, both mentally and physically, trapped inside the walls of his own home.
One thing continues to help Marquel during tough times so he can look toward the future - his love for photography. “I see images of all the incredible places in the world, and I’m inspired to get out there and take my own pictures,” he said. “I asked to learn in Hawaii because it’s one of the most beautiful places in nature.”
“He sees everyone else travel, which is hard for him,” shared his mom, Natarsha. “Marquel goes to treatment so much, it’s been a while since he has been able to go anywhere but the hospital.”
Marquel, who had never been to an island before, couldn’t wait to experience a much-needed vacation and have the opportunity to take pictures in jungle and water settings. During his wish trip, Marquel enjoyed a photo lesson
I wish to be a photographer Marquel, 17, Arizona kidney disease
with island and nature photographer Heather Goodman and with world-renowned surf and outdoor photographer Zak Noyle.
Since returning home from his wish, Marquel has been looking into beginner photography classes so he can continue to learn and build his skills.
Marquel was soon ready to venture off on his own, serving as the official photographer for Macy’s Believe Day. At the end of his trip, he was surprised with his very first art gallery displaying all the photos he captured throughout his wish experience. “It was so cool and inspiring to see my photos. I felt like I was a real professional photographer,” he said.
“This opportunity let Marquel see that anything is possible,” said Natarsha. “Now he can see his disease is not hindering, but a way to let others know that nothing should stop you from achieving your dreams.” Mahalo to Make-A-Wish Arizona for allowing us to share Marquel’s story.
I wish to have a saxophone Bradley, wish granted 1998 acute lymphoblastic leukemia
V
olunteer Coordinator at Hawaii Meals on Wheels, dog owner, outdoor enthusiast, amateur photographer—31-year-old Bradley Akamu wears many hats. He’s also a childhood leukemia survivor and a former wish kid; Make-A-Wish Hawaii granted his wish to have a saxophone nearly 20 years ago, a wish that he still reflects on as a turning point in his journey. Then an 11-year-old battling high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Bradley had recently been given good news: his treatment was going well and his prognosis was good. So, when he was told he was eligible for a wish, Bradley was confused. “At first I thought Make-A-Wish was for kids who were terminally ill,” he said. “I thought, ‘How come I get to do this then?’ I think it’s great that I get the chance to put the spotlight on those [like me]…there’s so many kids out there that have recovered, gotten treatment, are in remission, and getting that wish really makes such a difference.”
For Bradley, that difference came by creating a lasting reminder of the positives in life during an otherwise traumatic time. “It’s easy to remember the negatives—the treatments, feeling nauseous, being sick all the time,” he explains. “But being able to have something to look forward to, something that is still associated with what you’re going through but that’s positive—that’s amazing.” Though he’s been in remission for 18 years, Bradley thinks about his wish often, pulling out his saxophone and reflecting on the escape it provided him from his battle with childhood illness. Today, as Volunteer Coordinator at Hawaii Meals on Wheels, Bradley hopes to touch people in the community in need just as his wish granters and Make-A-Wish ohana touched him and his family.
While the populations we serve are different—the elderly in need versus children with critical illnesses— the motivation is the same. Both organizations change lives and show people that there’s an entire community of people who care about them. Bradley draws another important similarity between our organizations: that sometimes people don’t see the impact beyond the one meal or one wish day.
Photos: Rayen Watanabe
“Wishes are like our meals. The meals are the thing people think of, but it’s what goes beyond that that really makes a big impact,” he explains. “For our clients, it’s being able to see somebody, a smile to look forward to…something that improves quality of life. It’s the same for me and other wish kids. Being able to have something that can keep pushing you and brings you happiness…that really helps positive outcomes.”
LOCAL WISHES GRANTED
VISITING WISHES OF ALOHA
DID YOU KNOW?
WISHES GRANTED BY ISLAND
A wish is granted every 6 hours in Hawaii
KAUAI
OAHU
MAUI
H AWA I I
51
%
DISNEY
HAWAII WISHES BY CATEGORY D I S N E Y.................................................... 51% T R AV EL................................................... 19% EL EC T RO N I C S........................................8% CEL EB R I T Y.............................................. 7% S TAYC AT I O N S........................................5% B ACK YA R D M A K EOV ER S................4% OT H ER*......................................................4% S H O PPI N G S PR EE S.............................2%
2%
4%
19%
4%
T R AV E L
5%
7%
8%
*Cruises, princess birthday balls, and musical instruments.
REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT
PUBLIC SUPPORT Contributions................................................................ $ Grants.............................................................................. $ TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT......................................... $
2,257,849 124,013 2,381,862
Internal Special Events............................................... $ Less Costs of Direct Benefits to Donors............... $ TOTAL SPECIAL EVENTS.......................................... $
1,386,266 (622,231) 764,035
Investment Income, net.............................................. $ Other Income................................................................ $ TOTAL REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT............................... $
234,131 1,237,254
4,617,282
EXPENSES
PROGRAM SERVICES Wish Granting............................................................... $ TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES.................................. $
3,483,386 3,483,386
SUPPORT SERVICES Fundraising.................................................................... $ Management and General......................................... $ TOTAL SUPPORT SERVICES.................................... $
680,144 258,924 939,068
TOTAL PROGRAM AND SUPPORT SERVICES EXPENSES ................................................ $
4,422,454
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS......................................... $
194,828
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR..................... $
2,521,759
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR.................................... $
2,716,587
I wish to meet the princesses at Walt Disney WorldÂŽ Xzylie, 4, Waipahu leukemia
A
wish
marks
when
wish is granted to kids like Harper, every donor who
hospital
gives the gift of a wish to keiki like Jake and witnesses
room becomes less frightening, when the possibility
their pure joy…so many lives are touched by the
of life beyond illness unfolds, when families are given
power of a wish.
everything
the
moment
changes—when
in
time
the
time to make lasting memories and take a respite from medical appointments and daily struggles. A
And you are the reason that 1,342 local and visiting
wish is a turning point for kids like Brad, who grew up
keiki and countless others in our community
to give back to the community, or James, who’s now
experienced such magic this year. Your generous
planning a future career as a music producer.
gifts, your time, your talent, your heart—these are what turn wishes from imagination to reality and
A wish sparks imagination and delivers strength,
what transform the lives of all involved in the power
not only to keiki and their ohana, but to entire
of a wish.
communities of supporters like you. Every volunteer who watches a child like Pomai run her fingers across
Mahalo nui loa for your support.
the nails he’d spent months hammering in to assemble the perfect Harry Potter hideaway, every doctor who
Together, we can continue to change lives,
notes better lab results or fewer hospital visits after a
one wish at a time.
Photo: Simply Baby Photography
Photo: Simply Baby Photography