Plus: WISH! Heroes Unite celebrates supporters whose superpowers transform lives
I wish to have a therapy clubhouse
Krayson, 14, Waipahu seizure disorder
ON THE COVER Krayson’s therapy clubhouse provides him with a dedicated space to learn and grow in an environment tailored to his needs.
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
CONNECT WITH US
Aloha Wish ‘Ohana,
I have been doing quite a bit of reflecting recently, as this year marked my fifth anniversary as president and CEO of this wonderful organization. Before I began my journey, I had heard moving stories of hope, healing, and transformation from across the islands, and I was eager to experience that magic firsthand, because, as many of you can attest—and as I soon learned—there truly is magic present every time a wish comes true.
Of course, it isn’t magic in the traditional sense. It’s something far more powerful; it’s the genuine, palpable love and aloha created when people come together in service of others.
This is what makes the Make-A-Wish mission so special, and why this year, people across the world celebrated World Wish Month for the first time ever. Traditionally, Make-AWish has honored the anniversary of the very first wish ever granted—the late Chris Grecius’s 1980 wish to be a police officer—on April 29th, World Wish Day. This year, we extended that celebration to the entire month of April for the inaugural World Wish Month, paying special tribute to the original wish makers who had rallied around Chris and sparked a global wish-granting movement in the process.
Speaking of wish makers, at this year’s WISH! Heroes Unite Gala, we honored wish heroes in our community—heroes who don’t don capes or fly through air, but who show up for Hawaii wish keiki with unique superpowers: time, generosity, creativity, and heart. Each of you are a wish hero; your contributions uplift and empower children across the state who are currently fighting critical illnesses and dreaming of better days ahead.
Your support furthers our mission in communities across the islands, bringing us all closer to our vision of granting life-changing wishes to every eligible child. Together, I believe we have the greatest superpower of all: transforming lives, one wish at a time.
Much aloha,
Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO
During the World Wish Month telethon on KHON2, Wish Mom/ volunteer Wish Granter Christie and
WISH GRANTED!
Krayson’s Wish to have a Therapy Clubhouse
Krayson was a typical, healthy baby until he reached 18 months, when the course of his life took a new direction. That’s when his parents noticed developmental delays, and he began experiencing seizures. This was frightening for his parents, Kim and Gary, who were deeply concerned for the health and safety of their firstborn child. They always held his hand, whether in the house or outside, to ensure he wouldn’t fall and hurt himself during a seizure. By the time he was a toddler, Krayson was having up to 300 seizures a day.
“It’s heartbreaking,” says Gary. He and Kim brought Krayson to see specialists in Chicago and Seattle, and although medication has reduced the frequency of his seizures, they continue working with his local physician to find the best management strategies.
Despite his health challenges, Krayson is a joyful, energetic 14-year-old boy who loves his family deeply. He runs around the house with his parents always by his side, ensuring he doesn’t accidentally grab something dangerous. Therapists visit daily to help with his development and communication, though sessions at home often get disrupted by his tendency to be distracted by toys or the couch.
The family wished for a therapy clubhouse—a wish that has the power to change Krayson’s life. “We knew we needed someplace dedicated for him and his therapists where there are no distractions,” Gary explains. A therapy clubhouse offers a safe, focused environment for learning and growth. Before it could be built, the right partners needed to be in place.
Make-A-Wish Hawaii teamed up with Swinerton on the design, permitting, planning and construction of Krayson’s clubhouse. “This is just what we do on a day-to-day basis,” says Aaron Yamasaki of Swinerton, who also serves on the organization’s board of directors. Swinerton assembled a team of professionals, all of whom donated or discounted their labor and materials.
Careful consideration went into every detail of the clubhouse to ensure it would be safe and suitable for Krayson’s needs. California Closets provided a desk and cabinetry with pushto-open magnetic doors, a thoughtful design since traditional
handles would distract Krayson and tempt him to open them.
I wish to have a therapy clubhouse Krayson, 14, Waipahu seizure disorder
The built-in desk is the perfect place for Krayson to work with his therapists on communication skills, including spelling. “We’re using letterboards and eventually going on an iPad to communicate spelling out what he wants, and what he needs us to do for him,” explains Kim.
The clubhouse is also equipped with sensory elements, including a swing that hangs from the ceiling. It comforts Krayson like a hug. “It takes a short bit to calm him to sit in it but once we start swaying him, he actually zones out and gets calm. He’ll let us know when he’s done then he plops on the cushions. It’s awesome,” Gary says.
Krayson’s heartfelt wish to have a therapy clubhouse has provided him with a dedicated space to learn and grow in an environment tailored to his needs. This custom clubhouse brought immediate comfort to Krayson. Daily use will bring him peace and confidence as he continues to hone his developmental skills.
“It really warmed my heart to see Krayson see his clubhouse for the first time,” says Aaron. “It’s really great to know that this is something we could do for Krayson that won’t just make an impact on his life today, but for years to come.”
Mahalo to these partners for making Krayson’s wish come true!
LIFE-CHANGING WISHES
Enjoy a glimpse of recent wishes granted thanks to your generous support!
Aurelia’s Wish is an Inspirational Adventure
Aurelia, a sweet and adventurous 10-year-old girl from Ewa Beach, has faced challenges since the day she was born with leukemia. Within weeks, she began treatment that lasted more than 2 years. The unfortunate side effects of the chemo so early in her life included heart damage and blindness. But Aurelia is brave and resilient, and these challenges rarely hold her back. From getting a hole-in-one at the annual Swing for Wishes golf tournament, to driving her own go-cart at her Razor Sports wish send-off party, Aurelia is willing to try...and try, and try again with the help of those around her.
Aurelia wished to go to Walt Disney World® and hoped to try every ride. She enjoyed her wish to the fullest, every moment of every day! While meeting the princesses was super special for her, Aurelia’s favorite parts were the thrill-seeker rides. She later shared that the Tower of Terror was her favorite—she rode it three times!
Aurelia’s wish will continue to inspire her and her family for years to come. Aurelia shared that these memories have become the “happy place” that she will frequently go to (in her mind’s eye) during future procedures and hospital stays.
I wish to
Krew,
Krew’s Wish Brings Joy and Encouragement
Four-year-old Krew of Haiku, Maui has been battling a progressive mitochondrial disorder his entire life. In December, he had a massive seizure that took a toll on his cognitive and motor abilities and claimed his vision.
Krew and his family needed encouragement and found hope in Krew’s wish to go to Walt Disney World®—an opportunity that they would have never been able to enjoy, without the generous support of partners like the H.T. Hayashi Foundation.
Wish mom Chloe said, “We are so grateful for everything. I always wanted to take the boys to Disney World. Krew loves everything Disney, and he got to be immersed in it for a whole week! It was healing for Krew, and for all of us.”
Krew’s battle will continue. But through the power of a wish, Krew and his ‘ohana found joy and created happy memories, bringing them much-needed encouragement to push through the hard days ahead. Mahalo, Prince Waikiki, for helping make Aurelia’s wish come true!
Mahalo to the H.T. Hayashi Foundation for helping make Krew’s wish come true!
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Aurelia, 10, Ewa Beach heart condition
go to Walt Disney World®
4, Haiku seizure disorder
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Keldyn, 12, Lahaina leukemia
Mahalo to Dennis and Martha Rush for helping make Keldyn’s wish come true!
Recent Wishes
Keldyn’s Wish Creates New Memories
Last summer, 11-year-old Keldyn was diagnosed with leukemia. He was beginning his treatment on Oahu when he learned that his family’s home had burned to the ground in the Lahaina fire. Keldyn lost both his health and his home within a week.
“Thank God our family is safe,” Keldyn’s mom, Brandy, shared tearfully, “but this is a lot for him. For all of us.”
Wishes are known to bring hope to the darkest of circumstances. For Keldyn, this was especially true. His wish to go to Walt Disney World® came at the perfect time, giving Keldyn the opportunity to make memories with his family after a long and difficult journey through treatment and loss.
For the first time in six months, he giggled and joked without care or concern. He dashed from ride to ride and squealed in delight on the “back of a banshee” in the exotic world of Pandora. Keldyn had an incredible wish experience and the memories that were made with his family will live in their hearts for years to come.
“Wishes are important, especially for children like Keldyn. When their whole world changes … Make-A-Wish comes in and gives them something that makes them happy, makes them feel good about this scary journey that they’re on, and they’re not alone.”
—BRANDY , WISH MOM
Cassidy’s Wish Motivates her to Fight for her Health
Cassidy, a 16-year-old girl from Honolulu, was a healthy teenager until about two years ago, when she was prescribed medicine that damaged her liver. Her medical journey was traumatic and filled with highs and lows as she courageously fought for her life. She received a new liver and battled through complications before finally being able to heal. Cassidy has been rebuilding her strength and endurance ever since. She wished to go to New York City, and keeping her mind on her wish brought her the motivation she needed to take charge of her health to be cleared for travel.
At the heart of Cassidy’s wish was her desire to see the Broadway musical “Hadestown.” Cassidy’s mom, Jamie, shared, “The best thing was watching my daughter’s reactions throughout the musical! She even got to meet the cast! Her eyes just lit up and she was so excited! This experience made her feel so special. She can look back on it and treasure those moments. It made her appreciate all the people who supported her along the way.”
Mahalo to Marilyn and Steve Katzman for helping make Cassidy’s wish come true!
I wish to go to New York City
Cassidy, 16, Honolulu liver transplant
Joe Medwetz
Senior Sales and Services Director Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Joe Medwetz’s journey with Make-A-Wish Hawaii began when he joined the team at Aulani Resort in 2014. Aulani is a valued partner and plays a key role in granting wishes for local and visiting wish kids. Joe was inspired to give back beyond the resort’s corporate involvement, joining the board in January 2020. Since then, he helped navigate the pandemic and found creative ways to continue granting the wish of every eligible child.
Joe has made an incredible impact on the lives of wish children and their families. He played a key role in creating Aulani Wish Week, an immersive themed group wish experience for children who wish to go to Aulani Resort. Up to 30 children and their families participate in each wish week held several times throughout the year, enabling more wishes than ever thought possible to be granted at Aulani Resort. “There was also an added bonus,” Joe says. “Bringing families together during Wish Week has created bonds and friendships through shared experiences. These relationships weren’t the intended outcome, but it’s an amazing benefit and positive experience that they’ll take away long after their wish has been granted, and I’m really proud of helping to create that.”
One of Joe’s most treasured times with Make-A-Wish Hawaii was last year when he helped grant a wish at Aulani for 6-yearold Luna, who wished to dance with Mickey Mouse on the beach. He says, “The Wish Assist team came out at sunrise and, along with a few Disney Cast Members and Mickey Mouse, helped create the most magical morning for Luna and her family. It’s truly something I will never forget.”
Courtney Matsuki
Operations Director & Lead Project Manager
Library Creative
Courtney Matsuki is deeply inspired by Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. When she joined the Young Leaders Board two years ago, she says she felt like her wish came true.
Since then, Courtney has given her time and talent to help with fundraising events, the World Wish Month telethon, and the Wish Ambassador program, which serves as an on-island resource to welcome visiting wish families to Hawaii. “It’s incredibly heartwarming to know that through this program, we can ensure these families feel the warmth and support of our community during their unforgettable time here, making their wish experiences even more special,” she says.
One of Courtney’s most memorable moments with the organization was participating in Jingle Rock Run last year. “The energy at the event was truly magical, knowing that each merry step was helping to support local wish kids,” she says.
Courtney hopes to continue expanding Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s reach and impact to grant even more transformative wishes for keiki across the islands. “I also hope to see our community’s involvement grow stronger each year, with more individuals and local businesses coming together to support this vital cause, ensuring that no eligible child goes without their heartfelt wish being fulfilled.”
YLB SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Keith Abe Advocates for Wishes as Powerful Medicine
Hawaii pediatric neurologist Dr. Keith Abe advocates for community awareness for wish referrals, which provide necessary support to keiki with critical illnesses.
For Dr. Keith Abe, a typical work week includes care for patients with a range of neurological conditions, including sometimes life-threatening and degenerative diseases. As a specialist in pediatric neurology for Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, he often cares for keiki who courageously battle conditions that seem to steal away childhood.
Dr. Abe knew his calling was in pediatrics –hoping to help parents and caregivers preserve the joy and normalcy of childhood that some of these neurological conditions try to take from keiki. Unfortunately, the unrelenting impact of these conditions can be the hardest part of his job.
“In an ideal world, kids should not get sick, debilitated, or have to brave these lifethreatening conditions,” he said. “Despite our best medical training and on-going technological advances, some children still have to go through very challenging conditions. We want to make everyone well and heal every condition, but this is where Make-A-Wish helps to be part of offering another kind of hope to kids and their families.”
When you’re on the front lines of these medical battles – battles that are often not shared with the broader community – it can be isolating for everyone involved. Keiki lose play time and attending school is often replaced with hospital stays; families tirelessly pour from an empty cup as caregiving needs heighten; and the physicians and medical teams do everything in their power to confront the physical, medical side
of children’s care. Through the transformative power of a wish, children and their families find relief and renewed energy full of hope and strength.
Dr. Abe joined the Make-A-Wish Hawaii Medical Advisory Board more than 12 years ago and has been a valued medical partner and referring physician ever since.
Dr. Keith Abe referred 5-year-old Kiryn of Waipahu for the life-changing power of a wish. Kiryn is fighting a nervous system disorder and finds strength and joy in her wish to go to Walt Disney World® later this year.
“Planning for a wish and then having it granted provides both an escape from just trying to survive and an opportunity to enjoy something extra special for a change. Most importantly, it is a reminder that the family is not alone,” says Dr. Abe.
A wish come true is long-lasting. It is a transformative boost to the child’s spirit and the family’s access to community. For referring physicians like Dr. Abe, a wish is one of the tools for them to help restore a child’s strength and hope. These are essential to increase morale, resilience, and collaboration through the treatment and healing process.
“Helping to facilitate a wish also boosts my morale as a provider; I am reminded that other people in the community ‘see’ these patients and families and care about them too,” Dr. Abe said.
Mahalo to Dr. Abe for transforming the lives of keiki with critical illnesses through his referrals! To learn more about wish eligibility or to make a life-changing wish referral, visit wish. org/refer-a-child.
by Darcy
Photos
Fiero
Throughout the month of April, we invited the community to join MakeA-Wish Hawaii as WishMakers to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to keiki across the state.
Thanks to our incredible partners, dedicated volunteers, and amazing supporters, more than $100,000 was raised to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses in Hawaii.
Mahalo to everyone who helped make the first World Wish Month a tremendous success!
Your support ensures that a child’s imagination becomes their reality. It opens doors to new possibilities, in which a child can replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. Wishes unite families through life-changing experiences that help them cope and grow stronger, as entire communities rally around them in moments of unforgettable joy.
During April, wish families felt the love and support from our community as they saw the blue hue of lit-up buildings in Honolulu, watched and participated in the World Wish Month telethon on KHON2, and shared the impact of their wish journey on KHON2’s Living808 and Hawaii News Now’s HI Now Daily programs.
A wish begins with hope, and hope begins with you. Our sincerest thanks for making wishes possible for children with critical illnesses in Hawaii during World Wish Month and beyond.
Maui Divers Jewelry Donates An Entire Day of Online Sales to Help Grant Wishes
ONE-DAY CAMPAIGN RAISED MORE THAN $35,000!
Maui Divers Jewelry, known as Hawaii’s most charitable jeweler, kicked off Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s World Wish Month in April with a singleday campaign that raised more than $35,000 – a significant contribution that will help grant wishes for keiki battling critical illnesses. Shoppers from Hawaii and around the world purchased their Hawaii-exclusive keepsake jewelry on Maui Divers Jewelry’s website, with 100% of online sales benefiting wish kids throughout the islands.
This campaign, held on April 1, is the latest collaboration in an ongoing partnership between Maui Divers Jewelry and Make-AWish Hawaii (MAWH).
Cole Slater, Maui Divers Jewelry CEO and Creative Director, said that partnering with MAWH was a natural fit, with both teams focused on serving the community. From staffing, manufacturing, and exclusive jewelry design – their products are 100% Hawaii-made with all related 157 jobs staying local. When it comes to the company’s charitable efforts, it’s important for them to support local families, keiki, and community needs across Hawaii.
“When we learned that we could partner with Make-A-Wish Hawaii and together be able to focus on Hawaii children and families, it was the start of a rewarding partnership,” Cole said. “With Make-AWish Hawaii, we also realized how fast we can make a difference. Together, we are able to make dreams come true, and that carries such significance.”
The Maui Divers Jewelry team also provides wish enhancements. Cole recounts a memorable wish from 2019 for Zierra, a young child from Wahiawa who was battling leukemia and wished to go to Walt Disney World® to be a princess. Maui Divers Jewelry hosted a special behind-the-scenes tour for her in which she got to make her own jewelry and depart for her wish trip with a “princess” statement piece.
“My own friend was a recipient of a wish during her childhood; decades later, she is thriving, positive, and healthy,” said Cole. He believes the wish’s lasting impact provided the hope and strength she needed to recover.
The entire wish journey – from the anticipation of a wish come true to the special touches along the way and the memories that result – has a lasting, positive impact on children and their families. As soon as a child qualifies for a wish, the magic begins!
Volunteer wish granters coordinate in-hospital, in-home, or community-based get togethers focused on bonding, uplifting, and providing healthy distractions to keiki and families. Local businesses can also join in to restore the magic of childhood for wishes waiting to happen, similar to what Maui Divers Jewelry did with the jewelrymaking experience for Zierra.
Mahalo nui loa to the team at Maui Divers Jewelry—we couldn’t grant life-changing wishes without the generosity of partners like you!
To learn more about bringing your team together in support of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, please contact Arden Salassa, Senior Manager of Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships, at asalassa@hawaii.wish.org.
WISH! HEROES UNITE
was an epic gathering of the wish heroes in our community. Superheroes of all kinds — wish kids and their families, medical partners, volunteers, and generous donors — united to celebrate and raise funds to bring hope and joy to children with critical illnesses across the state of Hawaii through the transformational power of a wish. WISH! Heroes Unite raised a record-breaking $1.1 million—our most successful fundraising event in Make-A-Wish Hawaii history!
There were many inspiring highlights from the evening, especially wish kids reuniting with their heroes as the talented Kaylee Brooke Shimizu sang “Hero” and dancers from 24/VII Danceforce formed around them. It was heartwarming to see Nemu, a 12-year-old girl from Honolulu who battles a seizure disorder, be reunited with her hero, her former caregiver who moved to Chicago.
Mahalo to all our heroes, especially presenting sponsor Dawson, for making this event a victory in our quest to support wish keiki across the state. Together, we have the greatest superpower of all: transforming lives, one wish at a time.
Special mahalo to Wish Kids David, Keldyn, Lincoln, Mika, Nemu, and Vivienne for participating in the program with their heroes, and to Wish Kids Kai, Lincoln, Nemu, Pono, and Vivienne for helping to promote the event!
