WishfulThinking • Note from Trini
Aloha Wish ‘Ohana, With the recent wildfires impacting us all, I want to extend a heartfelt mahalo to our team, partners, volunteers, donors and wish granters for their unwavering dedication— organizing aid for wish families and the entire West Maui community. In these challenging times, our commitment to granting life-changing wishes becomes even more important. We will continue to deliver hope to local keiki fighting critical illnesses when they need it most.
ON THE COVER Hapa enjoyed a surf session at The Lineup at Wai Kai with Mission Impact Advisor James Donnelly to celebrate that his wish was being granted!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff Higashi – Board Chair Cayenne Pe‘a – Chair Elect and Treasurer Scott Higashi – Secretary Tom Calame Julianne Erickson Rick Fried Michelle Ho Charles Hunter Todd Iacovelli Martin Marino Joe Medwetz Brenda Mitchell Darius Monsef Katie Pickman Dr. Angela Pratt Jade Richardson Mike Rompel Keri Shepherd Andrew Shimabukuro Dr. Rupa Wong Aaron Yamasaki
We have so much to look forward to at Make-A-Wish Hawaii. At the top of our list is Jingle Rock Run! I hope you’ll join us for this very special community event at Ko Olina Resort on December 3. To register or support a team, visit jinglerockrun.com. When you contribute to Make-A-Wish Hawaii, you are a hero to the children who are waiting for their wishes to come true. Their courage and positive outlook as they fight their battles makes them heroes, too. I’m so pleased to announce that “Heroes Unite” is the theme of our WISH! Gala! Please save the date for May 18, 2024 at the Sheraton Waikiki. In other exciting news, I was so touched to receive the Woman Leader of the Year award from Pacific Edge Magazine in September. This is a reflection of the work we all do to grant the wish of every eligible child. I love being part of this life-changing organization and value each opportunity to roll up my sleeves to work alongside our incredible staff, volunteers, partners and donors. Every day since joining Make-A-Wish Hawaii fourand-a-half years ago has been an honor and I am forever grateful to be part of such a dedicated, passionate and talented team. As we enter our 42nd year of wish granting across the islands, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve shared with you. Here’s to the next decade of dreams, hope, and wishes come true! Much aloha,
Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO
CONNECT WITH US @ M A K E AW I S H H AWA I I Photos by Paula Ota
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Wishful Thinking | 2023: Fall Issue
Cover Story WISH GR ANTED!
The Ride of a Lifetime:
Hapa’s Wish
H
apa is a young surfer from Waimanalo with an adventurous spirit. He’s drawn to the thrill of action sports like surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding. His childhood was a tapestry of sun, sand and surf. He shares a love for the ocean with his dad, Ryan, who taught him to ride at an early age. Hapa spent his early years fearlessly taking on the mighty North Shore waves alongside his dad and best friend, Maunakea. But life, with its unpredictable twists, had a different ride in store. In October 2020, at just 5 years old, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. This news was a crushing blow to a boy who spent his time chasing adventure. Suddenly, his carefree days were exchanged for challenging medical treatments and appointments. Amidst the sea of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. Hapa learned about a wave pool, a place where surfers could ride the perfect wave, every time. It was a dream come true for any surfer, and for Hapa, it became a wish that would change his life for the better. With the support of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, that dream became a reality. Hapa’s wish was simple but extraordinary: he wished to surf at a wave pool in California, and he wanted his best friend to be right there by his side. It was only fitting that his wish reveal celebration was held at Oahu’s new wave experience, The Lineup at Wai Kai. His excitement was palpable, and it only grew as he and his family embarked on his wish journey. Hapa couldn’t wait to catch the
I wish to go surfing at a wave pool with my best friend Hapa, 8, Waimanalo lymphoma
700-meter-long wave with Maunakea. This was a chance to live the dream he had envisioned since he was little and ride the kind of wave that surfers only dream about. When the day finally arrived, Hapa and Maunakea were stoked! They were equipped with pro-grade surf gear and rode the epic, ultra-fast wave. Hapa’s wish was a journey filled with laughter and the joy of chasing dreams. Hapa, his family and Maunakea all felt like royalty during their trip to the California wave pool and were deeply grateful for the opportunity to share these incredible moments together. For Hapa’s parents, the image of their son riding that perfect wave would forever be etched in their hearts, reminding them of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of a wish come true. Hapa’s journey through illness was marked by courage and determination. His wish was a reminder that, just like the waves, life has its ups and downs, but with the support of loved ones and the power of a wish, even the roughest sea can be conquered. Hapa and his family will forever treasure that special day when he rode the perfect waves of hope and happiness. Hapa’s wish wasn’t only about surfing; it was about celebrating life, family, and the joy of living. A reminder that even in the face of adversity, a wish can bring hope to a young surfer who refused to let anything hold him back. hawaii.wish.org
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WishfulThinking • Recent Wishes
LIFE-CHANGING WISHES Enjoy a glimpse of recent wishes granted thanks to your generous support! Zanairah’s Wish to go to Walt Disney World® Eight-year-old Zanairah of Kahului is a sweet, spunky, and joyful little girl who has spent most of her first few years of life in and out of the hospital due to a heart condition. Her parents made the difficult decision to move away from their large family in Hana so she could be closer to emergency and medical services. Although it’s been hard for her to be separated from their tight-knit community, she’s made the most of it and built many new friendships. Despite all she’s been through, Zanairah has remained optimistic and resilient and found hope in her most heartfelt wish to go to Walt Disney World®. Her trip was scheduled for June, before another open-heart surgery and an expected long recovery. The anticipation of the visit and looking at pictures and videos afterward gave Zanairah joy that boosted her strength as she pressed on through her medical journey. Her wish experience proved to be powerful medicine that provided a much-needed dose of hope and brought her family together to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Mahalo to Alaska Airlines who helped make Zanairah’s wish come true!
I wish to go to Washington D.C. and see the Arsenal play Terrence, 18, Honolulu cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Zanairah, 8, Kahului heart condition
“It’s all she talks about. This trip definitely lit a spark back in her.” —TIANI, WISH MOM
Terrence’s Wish to go to Washington D.C. to see Arsenal play Terrence is a humble 18-year-old boy from Honolulu. He was diagnosed with cancer and gave a lot of thought to what his wish would be. His family enjoys quality time watching soccer together, and Terrence has become a huge fan of the Arsenal Football Club in the British Premier League. He decided earlier this year that his one true wish is to see his favorite team play in Washington, D.C. Terrence and his family traveled to the nation’s capital where he attended an MLS skills competition, met players and coaches, and was gifted a personalized jersey—experiences that made his wish journey extra special. “It was a huge surprise,” Terrence says, noting that meeting players was his favorite part. He enjoyed every minute of the soccer match. The next day, Terrence and his family went on a private tour of the National Mall and visited monuments, memorials and museums. “It’s an experience that I will never forget,” Terrence adds.
Mahalo to Domino’s Hawaii for granting Terrence’s wish! 4
Wishful Thinking | 2023: Fall Issue
“Nothing makes us happier than seeing our children happy. This trip gave Terrence memories he’ll have forever.” —JONATHAN, WISH DAD
Recent Wishes Keanu’s Wish to have a Staycation Keanu is a spunky little boy from Hilo with a larger-than-life personality. His favorite thing to do is spend time with family; he is very close with his brother and two sisters. Keanu was diagnosed with cancer in February 2022 when he was 5 years old. While undergoing treatment on Oahu, he missed his family and the fun times they shared together, especially at the beach. He struggled with being stuck inside when all he wanted to do was play in the fresh air. Treatment was challenging for this young family, as one parent would travel with Keanu to Oahu while the other stayed back in Hilo to work and take care of the other three children, all under age 10. Prior to diagnosis, Keanu’s family vacationed together once a year. Recently they haven’t been able to spend much time together, let alone go on a family trip. Keanu’s most heartfelt wish was to go to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, with his family. His parents were hoping the experience would be an opportunity for healing and growth. In the end that is exactly what it was! Keanu was so excited to meet Disney characters and play in the water—fun memories were created that will last a lifetime!
I wish to go to Aulani Keanu, 6, Hilo cancer
“The wish meant everything to us. It showed us to never take life for granted and to enjoy each and every moment.” —KISHA, WISH MOM
Combining Slater’s Two Loves: Music & Disney! Fourteen-year-old Slater of Kaneohe suffers from a nervous system disorder, which causes him to have daily seizures. Though he is non-verbal, it doesn’t stop him from communicating! Slater loves music and all things Disney. During the Wildest Show Summer Concert Series at The Honolulu Zoo, his wish granters surprised him with the news that his wish to go to Walt Disney World® was coming true! On that very special day, Slater was joined by three amazing wish moms: Angela Morales of Na Leo who served as concert emcee; Make-A-Wish Hawaii board member Jade Richardson of Road Builders Corporation, his wish sponsor; and, his mom, the most special woman in his life!
“Slater was treated like royalty! Spoiled like he should be. That boy has been through so much ... I will forever be grateful that Make-A-Wish gave him (and us) the trip of our lifetime. It meant more than I could ever say.” I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Slater, 14, Kaneohe nervous system disorder
—CHRISTIE, WISH MOM
Mahalo to Road Builders Corporation for granting Slater’s wish! hawaii.wish.org
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Board Spotlight
WishfulThinking
Welcome, New Leaders! We are pleased to welcome Martin Marino, Dr. Angela Pratt and Dr. Rupa Wong to our board of directors! These leaders guide our fundraising initiatives, community awareness efforts and support our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child in Hawaii. We’re also excited to welcome six new members to our Young Leaders Board. We are deeply grateful for our
Ashley Caneso Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial
entire leadership team and the heartfelt dedication they bring to guide our organization forward and transform the lives of children across the state.
Martin Marino Chief Information Officer, Goodfellow Bros.
Goodfellow Bros. is a committed supporter of Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s mission and has helped grant several wishes on Maui and Oahu. Martin lives in Kihei and says he is honored and excited for the opportunity to support Make-A-Wish Hawaii and continue to help grant wishes for children across the state.
Carly Clement Vice President, Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger
Raquel Lasconia
Administrative Coordinator, Island Energy Services
Dr. Angela Pratt
Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children Dr. Angela Pratt is president of the Hawaii Medical Association, serves on the Hawaii State Medical Board and is Hawaii’s delegate to the American Medical Association. She is dedicated to providing the best quality care for her patients and is a
Courtney Lofgren
Director of Partnerships, Lemman Family Foundation
respected leader and philanthropist.
Tori Tokunaga
Dr. Rupa Wong Managing Partner, Honolulu Eye Clinic
Dr. Rupa Wong is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist and mother of three. She has numerous passion projects centered around women in medicine and health. Her nonprofit work exemplifies her commitment to children in the community and medical education.
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Wishful Thinking
Financial & Retail Partnerships Specialist, Hawaiian Airlines
Jenna Weissman
Account Executive, Modern Luxury Hawaii
Maui Maui-based staff members and wish granters Crystal Sakai and Shan Hilo are continuing to grant wishes for children from West Maui when they need them most, while also organizing and assisting in relief efforts for those affected by the wildfires.
Wishes for Maui
W
hen facing challenging times, wishes don’t stop—they become even more important. The love for our Maui ‘ohana runs deep as our wish community continues to express an outpouring of support after the devastating fires. We hope you will join us in keeping our amazing Maui wish families, volunteers, partners, donors, and friends affected by the tragedy, in your hearts. We are relieved to share that all our Maui wish keiki who are waiting for their wishes have been located. Some of these children and their families lost their homes and are facing an uncertain future. Now, more than ever, they need what a wish brings: hope. We are deeply grateful to all who have reached out to help. As we face the ongoing impact of this tragedy, we have been moving forward to raise the spirits of local keiki. In fact, one wish that took place shortly after the fires was for a child who lives in West Maui. A teenage girl who suffers from an autoimmune disorder had been waiting for her most heartfelt wish. Maui-based wish granting duo Crystal Sakai and Shan Hilo carefully coordinated her wish to bring her and her ‘ohana much-needed joy. Two other keiki from the impacted area are finding strength in their wishes that will be granted soon. Only because of our dedicated staff, donors and volunteers are we able to make this happen. While rescue efforts were underway, our Make-A-Wish Hawaii team was hard at work to do our part. Maui-based staff members and wish granters organized efforts around-the-clock to help neighbors in need by delivering essential supplies. Our Oahu team facilitated evacuations and relocations for visiting wish families, and sent donations of hygienic supplies, food, and activities for children. Make-A-Wish chapters from across the country sent hand-written cards and donated to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund to show their support. Thanks to our dedicated community, we’ll continue delivering hope to wish kids and their families. The journey of healing and rebuilding is ongoing. The power of wishes, even in the face of disaster, serves as a reminder that hope can prevail, and the spirit of aloha remains strong in Maui through our beautiful Make-A-Wish Hawaii community. hawaii.wish.org
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WishfulThinking Recent Campaigns
Recent Campaigns DOUBLE YOUR DONATION THANKS TO THE BRAND!
DONATE TODAY!
From now through Giving Tuesday (November 28th), Love’s is spreading hope by matching every donation made to Make-A-Wish Hawaii (up to $25,000). Your support will go twice as far making wishes come true for local children battling critical illnesses! Together, let’s create even more smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments for our brave wish keiki. With Love’s Matching Campaign, your generosity will have a ripple effect of joy that will last a lifetime.
MILLWOOD ‘OHANA PRODUCTIONS Millwood ‘Ohana Productions has been creating events in Hawaii for more than three decades, bringing the community together to enjoy food, crafts and entertainment from local vendors and artists. Make-A-Wish Hawaii is grateful to be named a beneficiary of two recent events, Waikiki Street Jam and Oahu Festival, in true celebration of community spirit. David Millwood of Millwood ‘Ohana Productions generously donated $17,547 from these Waikiki street festivals to make wishes come true for local keiki! Mahalo, David and Millwood ‘Ohana Productions!
SUBARU SHARE THE LOVE During Subaru Hawai‘i’s Share the Love sales event, for every new Subaru vehicle purchased in Hawaii between November 1 and December 31, 2023, Subaru Hawai‘i will donate $250 to their Share the Love nonprofit partners— including Make-A-Wish Hawaii! For more information, visit subaruhawaii. com. Together, we can make this holiday season one of giving, warmth, and granting wishes! 8
Wishful Thinking | 2023: Fall Issue
Events DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TO WHEELS FOR WISHES Rev up your generosity and support local keiki fighting critical illnesses through Wheels for Wishes! Your unwanted vehicle can transform lives through the power of a wish. Donating your car, truck, boat, motorcycle or jet ski is fast, free and easy. For more information, go to wheelsforwishes.org/hawaii.
Wine for Wishes:
A Night of Generosity and Celebration Mahalo for an incredible evening sailing along Waikiki while celebrating the power of a wish! Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Young Leaders Board was proud to present the 4th annual Wine for Wishes ... on the Water on July 22 aboard The Majestic by Atlantis Cruises. Guests enjoyed gorgeous sunset views while supporting wishes for local keiki battling critical illnesses. Thank you for your generosity and for being part of such a special evening making wishes come true! Guests sipped wine from Epicea and Langtry Farms Vineyard & Winery, cold beers from Kona Brewing Company, enjoyed delicious bites catered by Chef Chai and Dave & Buster’s, and danced to music by DJ Compose! Cheers to a good time for a great cause!
Rock the Wish at Jingle Rock Run!
HELP WISHES REACH NEW HEIGHTS Hawaiian Airlines is a valued partner of MakeA-Wish Hawaii. In honor of Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to donate HawaiianMiles to help make wishes come true. Your miles can help wishes take flight for children in Hawaii fighting critical illnesses. Wish Kid Kamalani of Makawao is one of many local keiki who flew on Hawaiian Airlines for their wish experiences. Kamalani traveled to New York City for her wish come true! Donate miles at hawaii.wish.org/airline-miles.
Join Make-A-Wish Hawaii for the jolliest community event of the holiday season: Jingle Rock Run, presented by Road Builders Corporation! This festive community walk returns to beautiful Ko Olina Resort on Sunday, December 3. The afternoon will be filled with joyous activities for the whole family, including:
PRESENTING SPONSOR
• Keiki games, entertainment, and food trucks on the event lawn • The popular (and adorable!) Keiki Sprint presented by HMSA • A safe and jubilant 2.5-mile route through Ko Olina Resort and along its lagoons • Magical moments, including a photo opp with Santa Claus • Easy parking near the festivities Rally your friends and family to create a team or register as an individual. Prizes await the merriest participants in these categories:
Top Fundraising Team Top Fundraising Individual Most Festive Costume Register for Jingle Rock Run and make every step count for wish kids and their families. Your support will deliver strength and inspire hope through the gift of a wish. Dash your way to sign up at jinglerockrun.com today!
hawaii.wish.org
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WishfulThinking • New Office
Wish Kids Vivienne and Kai eat pizza together in the Domino’s Hawaii Wish Discovery Room.
WISH HQ
Where Wish Kids Find Hope I
n the heart of downtown Honolulu, our new headquarters at Pioneer Plaza has become a hub where joyful transformations happen, bringing smiles to the faces of wish keiki and fostering a sense of community. We’re so excited to be in our beautiful new home where our team feels inspired, families, volunteers and supporters enjoy visiting, and wish kids discover their most heartfelt wish. We are grateful to our design partners who helped reimagine the space from a standard office to one that is colorful, inviting and celebrates childlike wonder and wishes come true. CEI Hawaii did
an incredible job with the renovation, incorporating multipurpose and flexible furniture for our dynamic needs. We also worked with Averylily Design Studio to select furniture colors and wallpaper that contribute to this inspirational space where dreams come true. Among the special spaces in our new office is the Domino’s Hawaii Wish Discovery Room! Custom wallpaper with playful illustrations by artist/designer Stacey Sakakihara adorn the walls. This beautiful, uplifting spot is a place for wish kids to come and envision their wish. It’s also a wonderful resource for wish
OU R N E W M U R A L!
A colorful mural designed and painted by Siena Baldi is the centerpiece of our Wish Assist room. Painted in our brand colors, Baldi’s mural infuses Hawaii’s beauty into our cherished home, and features landmarks that many of our visiting wish kids get to see and enjoy. Some of these landmarks are disguised, which makes identifying them a fun engagement activity for kids. Can you spot Diamond Head? 10
Wishful Thinking | 2023: Fall Issue
granters to select donated toys for wish kids and their siblings. We were thrilled to welcome guests to our open houses in August! It is here that the behind-the-scenes work takes place to bring wishes from imagination to creation, helping children reclaim their childhoods and envision a brighter future. Mahalo to all of the vendors, partners and in-kind donors who helped bring our new home to life. If you’d like to visit, please reach out by contacting us at info@hawaii.wish.org or (808) 537-3118.
Alumni Spotlight
A Wish Kid So Bold: Robin’s Journey of Hope and Giving Back
I
n a world often marked by adversity and challenges, stories of resilience shine brightest. Meet Robin of Ewa Beach, a remarkable young woman, now 21, who has faced the trials of life with unwavering courage and determination. Formerly a wish kid herself, Robin is now a shining beacon of hope, serving as an intern and volunteer wish granter with Make-AWish Hawaii. Her journey from a diagnosis of leukemia and type 1 diabetes to becoming a dedicated advocate for wish kids is nothing short of inspiring. Robin’s life took a dramatic turn when, at the age of 14, she was diagnosed with leukemia. The news came as such a shock, especially for a teenager preoccupied with school, clothes and friends. Her battle with the disease led to years of grueling hospital stays and chemotherapy, but in 2018, Robin faced the daunting reality that she needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. With the devastating news came an unexpected turn—her younger sibling was a match. Her hero turned out to be her sweet 8-year-old little brother.” Amidst her medical emergency, Robin experienced profound loneliness and depression. She yearned for friendship and the simple joys of being a carefree teenager. It was during this challenging time that Make-A-Wish volunteers posed a question that would change her life forever: “If you could wish for anything, what would it be?”
and their families get the royal treatment. The impact of her wish was transformative. For Robin and her family, it was a respite from worry and a chance to experience pure joy. She recalls the thoughtful gestures by Make-A-Wish Hawaii staff, such as a stocked refrigerator with her favorite sugarfree Gatorade. “It made me feel so special, knowing people cared about making me happy,” she says. Robin doesn’t want any wish kids to feel as alone as she once did. She believes in the power of connecting with others who have faced similar challenges. “You feel like you’re in the battle by yourself,” she says. “If you see people who have come out of it, it can inspire others who are still in the fight.”
I wish to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Robin, Ewa Beach wish granted 2019 leukemia
“The wish kept me going. Without it, I might have just stayed in bed.” —ROBIN
WISH ALUMNUS AND INTERN
Her resilience and determination have led her to become an inspiration for others. As she pursues her college degree, she dreams of becoming a child life therapist—a profession that allows her to provide support to children facing medical challenges, just as she once did. And she’s now back where it all started, four years later, interning with Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s program department. Robin’s story is a testament to the power of a wish and the boundless potential of the human spirit!
Robin longed for the fun of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and had heard wonderful things about Give Kids the World (GKTW)—a “storybook” resort in Central Florida where children with critical illnesses hawaii.wish.org
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Make-A-Wish® Hawaii 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1200 Honolulu, HI 96813 www.hawaii.wish.org
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gift a wish
T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N !
Here are five fantastic ways to support wish keiki. 1. Double your gift thanks to the
brand.
Now through November 29, our friends at Love’s will match all gifts, up to $25,000! Give today at hawaii.wish.org/fallappeal.
2. Participate in our holiday event, Jingle Rock Run, at Ko Olina Resort on December 3! Register or support a team at jinglerockrun.com.
3. Rev up your generosity and donate a vehicle through Wheels for Wishes! Find out how easy it is at wheelsforwishes.org/hawaii.
4. Become a monthly donor at $15 or more at hawaii.wish.org. Enroll by December 31 and you will receive a complimentary Make-A-Wish Hawaii ornament!
5. Help wishes take flight—donate airline miles. Donate airline miles at hawaii.wish.org/miles.
I wish to go to Chicago to see snow Nemu, 11, Honolulu seizure disorder