I wish to have a Bluey 3rd birthday party Gael, 3, Kailua-Kona rare disease
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Leading with heart, from boardroom to classroom
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ON THE COVER
Wish Kid Gael bounces with joy during his wish to have a Bluey 3rd birthday party!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cayenne Pe‘a - Board Chair
Tricia Fujikawa Lee – Treasurer
Travis Kikuchi – Secretary
Todd Bedford
Deanna Butler
Erik DeRyke
Rich Erickson
Kara Kashiwabara
Bong Koh
Martin Marino
Tricia Matsukawa
Dr. Angela Pratt
Jade Richardson
Mike Rompel
Ed Schultz
Garret Sugai
Dr. Rupa Wong
Aaron Yamasaki
CONNECT WITH US @MAKEAWISHHAWAII
Aloha,
As we welcome the fall season, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible support that continues to make wishes possible for local keiki. September 1 marked the start of our new fiscal year, and with it, a goal to grant 85 wishes. Every wish is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our community, and together, I know we can reach even more children who are waiting for the hope, joy, and strength a wish brings.
I’m also excited to introduce the newest members of our leadership community. Please join me in extending a warm aloha to Rich Erickson, Kara Kashiwabara , Bong Koh , and Tricia Matsukawa , who joined our Board of Directors at the start of this fiscal year, as well as to our new Young Leaders Board members, April Cheng , Kiana Langer, Ruby Lee, Amanda Shigeoka , and Daniel Texeira . Each of them brings not only professional expertise and community leadership to our organization, but also a personal passion for our mission. Their guidance will be instrumental as we work together to reach keiki across the state. You can read more about them in this issue of Wishful Thinking
This fall also brings opportunities to gather in celebration of wishes. I look forward to welcoming many of you at our Swing for Wishes golf tournament in October and Jingle Rock Run in December—two annual traditions that bring our community together in support of wish families. And as you plan ahead, I hope you’ll save the dates for our upcoming Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki event on February 21, 2026 and WISH! Winter’s Glow gala on May 16, 2026.
As we look ahead, I’m inspired by the generosity of our community. Together, we are building a future where every child facing a critical illness can experience the transformative power of a wish.
Much aloha,
Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO
Wish Kid Pandora shined bright at the WISH! Winter’s Glow photo shoot in her all-white winter chic look.
‘Wackadoo!’
Gael’s Wish to Have a Bluey 3rd Birthday Party Comes True
For 3-year-old Gael from Kailua-Kona, celebrating his birthday with Bluey was the ultimate dream—and thanks to the support of Goodfellow Bros., his wish came true in the most magical way!
It had been hard for Gael’s family to envision a celebration like this. Just after his first birthday, he was diagnosed with a rare disease that caused tumors on his neck and stomach, bone lesions in skull, and a severely compromised immune system. He has endured a long and difficult medical journey filled with treatments, uncertainty, and challenges that no child should have to face. Yet through it all, Gael has remained resilient. “It was a hard year and a half, but we got through it,” said his mom, Viridiana. “I’m so proud of my son for being such a fighter.”
That fighting spirit made his wish day even more meaningful. When Gael woke up that morning, he was met with an unforgettable surprise: his dream party planned just for him! Hosted at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, the party was bursting with fun—complete with a Bluey scooter, ball pit, bouncy house, Bluey piñata, and more. Everywhere he turned, there was something new and exciting to discover.
The party brought together 70 friends and family members to share in the celebration, filling the air with laughter, music, and the kind of energy that only a group of loved ones can create. Children bounced and played, adults connected over lunch and sweet treats, and everyone joined together to cheer for Gael as he experienced the pure joy of his wish.
For Viridiana, seeing Gael’s happiness was the highlight of the entire experience. “My favorite part was seeing my son’s reaction to everything,” she said, describing how his face lit up with excitement from the moment he arrived. After two years defined by medical appointments and uncertainty, watching Gael delight in his birthday party brought relief and hope for his future.
The wish created lasting memories not only for Gael, but also for his entire family and community. It was a chance to pause, reflect on how far he has come, and surround him with love and encouragement.
Gael’s wish wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness of Goodfellow Bros., whose support ensured that Gael’s Bluey birthday came to life in a truly special way. They even provided hands-on help, running a carnival game station for party guests to play. Their generosity brought joy to a brave little boy.
I wish to have a Bluey 3rd birthday party
Gael, 3, Kailua-Kona rare disease
Mahalo to these partners for making Gael’s wish come true!
BIG ISLAND TENTS
Big Kahuna Stickers
Rayen Watanabe
Maui Custom Piñatas
As Bluey’s family would say: “Wackadoo!”
LIFE-CHANGING WISHES
Enjoy a glimpse of recent wishes granted thanks to your generous support!
Fueling Hope: Mikael’s Monster Jam Wish Powers His Brave Journey
Mikael is an energetic and imaginative 4-year-old boy from Ewa Beach who spends his days riding his bike, smashing his Matchbox Monster Trucks, and recreating epic battles featuring his favorite truck, Gravedigger. But behind these joyful moments lies a difficult reality: Mikael is battling leukemia.
Mikael is undergoing a grueling 3.5-year course of chemotherapy—a journey that includes numerous hospital visits, bone marrow biopsies, and ongoing treatment. The road has been anything but easy, but Mikael’s resilience shines through. His Monster Truck adventures are more than just play—they’re a welcome escape from the challenges he faces daily.
So, it was no surprise when he wished to see Gravedigger in action at Monster Jam in Texas!
Thanks to the generous support of Swinerton, Mikael’s wish was granted! He not only watched the thrilling event but also had an unforgettable backstage experience. He met Gravedigger’s driver, explored the truck, and even climbed inside to pretend he was driving. His excitement was palpable—bouncing with joy and squealing in delight as he explored his favorite monster truck.
“It was the best thing for him,” says his mom, Misha. “We were all so happy for him, that his wish came true! He loved every second of it!”
This wish gave Mikael something invaluable: memories filled with joy, strength, and hope. Now, when he imagines his Monster Truck battles, he isn’t just pretending— he’s reliving a real-life memory of triumph that fuels his courage for the challenges ahead.
Mahalo to Swinerton for supporting Mikael’s wish and inspiring hope in wish kids like him every day!
I wish to go to Monster Jam Mikael, 4, Ewa Beach leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Bernadine, 5, Pepeekeo nervous system disorder
ZionBreeze’s Wish Shifts Into High Gear
When 4-year-old ZionBreeze from Pahala wished for his very own Ford F450 Power Wheels and stock trailer, it was clear this wasn’t just about a toy truck—it was about bringing a country boy’s big dreams to life. While bravely battling cancer, ZionBreeze found hope and strength in imaging himself cruising around his yard, towing his pup behind him. Thanks to his dedicated Wish Granters, Rose and Toni, and the support of community partners, his wish was granted!
While Rose and Toni set up his brand-new ride, equipment and special gifts at his house, ZionBreeze enjoyed a VIP tour of a Goodfellow Bros. construction site. Outfitted with PPE, he explored the heavy machinery, met the crew, and watched the big rigs in action.
When he returned home, ZionBreeze found his dream truck and trailer waiting! He loaded stuffed animals, climbed into the driver’s seat, and happily cruised around with his little sister and their dog in tow.
“Make-A-Wish Hawaii went above and beyond for my son,” said ZionBreeze’s mom, Talina. “We appreciate every bit of love, thought, and support that was put into making his wish come true.”
Bernadine’s Wish Brings Smiles for Miles
Bernadine, a 5-year-old from Pepeekeo, has been living with a nervous system disorder since birth. Despite her health challenges, she has a bubbly personality, lighting up whenever she hears Disney music and sees her favorite princesses appear. Her wish to go to Walt Disney World® let her experience the life of a princess!
Bernadine traveled to Florida with her parents and sister for the adventure of a lifetime. She delighted in a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, going on exhilarating rides, and splashing in the pool at Give Kids The World Village. What made it even more special was bonding with her two older biological siblings, who came from separate homes to meet her for the very first time. Together, they shared the joy of Disney and the precious gift of time with family.
Bernadine’s wish created a lasting bond of love and unity for her family. She lit up with giggles and smiles—expressions her parents had rarely seen until her wish was granted. She returned to Hawaii with new memories and the kind of joy her family will cherish for a lifetime.
I wish to have a Ford F450 Power Wheels and stock trailer ZionBreeze, 4, Pahala cancer
Welcome, New Leaders!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rich Erickson Director, Global Business Development Kobayashi Group/Heyer & Associates
Rich Erickson is director of global business development for the Kobayashi Group / Heyer & Associates, bringing more than 30 years of experience in international trading and business growth. He previously led highfrequency futures trading at Bank of America Securities Japan and later founded CMT Asia, a proprietary trading firm. Rich previously served on Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s board of directors from 2012-2018, and his wife, Julianne, served on the board from 2019-2025. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from Syracuse University.
We are pleased to welcome four new leaders to our board of directors and five new members to our Young Leaders Board! Each of them brings a deep passion for our mission and a wealth of expertise that will be invaluable in granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are deeply grateful to our entire leadership team for their heartfelt dedication, vision, and guidance.
Kara Kashiwabara Human Resources Specialist ALTRES
Kara Kashiwabara is a human resources specialist at ALTRES, supporting clients across industries in employee retention and development. A dedicated community leader, she served on Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Young Leaders Board from 2021 to 2025. She was part of the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance’s 2018 cohort and recognized in Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 Class of 2021. Kara earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from California State University-Sacramento.
Bong Koh General Partner Venrock
Bong Koh is a manager at Venrock, where he focuses on the firm’s biotech fund, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners. He has served on the boards of companies including AveXis, Inc. and RayzeBio, Inc., both acquired in multi-billiondollar transactions, and Artiva Biotherapeutics. His other nonprofit board seats include elevAAte Biotech and the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco, and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He completed medical training at Harvard’s Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary, Stanford Hospital, and UCSF.
Tricia Matsukawa President Matsukawa Insurance Agency, Inc.
Tricia Matsukawa is president of Matsukawa Insurance Agency, Inc., a familyowned business serving Hawaii since 1936. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington and her Master of Education from Chaminade University. A former elementary school teacher, she transitioned into insurance and has since held leadership roles with the Underwriters Association of Hawaii, The GIFT Foundation, and ‘Iolani School’s ‘Io Society. She is an original member of Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Young Leaders Board, serving from 2014-2019.
New Leaders
YOUNG LEADERS BOARD
April Cheng
Owner TravelChic World
Kiana Langer
Internal Marketing Coordinator
Premier Restoration
Hawaii
Ruby Lee Corporate Communications Manager
Hawaiian Host Group
Amanda Shigeoka
Marketing Manager
Hawaii Pacific Health
Daniel Texeira General Manager
Romer House Waikiki
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Inspiring the Next Generation of Wish Leaders
At Make-A-Wish Hawaii, we believe in the power of community—not only to grant life-changing wishes today, but to inspire the next generation of leaders who will carry this mission forward. That’s why our Youth Leadership Council is so special.
Each school year, high school students from across Oahu come together to form this dedicated group, learning what it means to lead with compassion, creativity, and purpose. They gain realworld skills, organize fundraisers, and raise awareness—all while bringing hope and encouragement to keiki facing critical illnesses.
This year, a group of 33 students— including wish alumni Lotus, Pomai, Matthew and Max—is ready to make an impact. With fresh ideas, renewed passion, and dedication to our mission, these young leaders will continue to prove that you’re never too young to make a difference. They are already hard at work planning their biggest fundraiser yet: a dance on October 18 at Eve Ala Moana, open to all high school students, with a goal of selling 300 tickets.
These inspiring young leaders are giving back, dreaming big, and shaping a future filled with hope, strength, and compassion.
To purchase tickets or learn more about the dance, visit hawaii.wish.org/make-it-glow.
EVE ALA MOANA Saturday, October 18 6-9 P.M.
Exclusive to High School Students
VOLUNTEERS
Granting Wishes with Aloha
From the busy streets of town to the quiet country backroads, our wish granters go the distance—literally and figuratively—to bring hope, joy, and strength to keiki across Hawaii. Whether visiting a hospital room, meeting a child at home, or sharing laughs at the park, they are there every step of the way to make wishes come true.
Wish granters play a pivotal role in the wish journey. They meet with each child and family to uncover their most heartfelt wish, serve as a trusted point of contact throughout the process, and work closely with Make-A-Wish Hawaii staff to bring every detail to life. Along the way, they build lasting relationships—offering encouragement, answering questions, and celebrating milestones together.
For many, being a wish granter is as life-changing for them as it is for the children they serve. They witness firsthand the transformation that happens when a child sees their wish coming true—the spark in their eyes, the joy on parents’ faces, the laughter that fills the room. It’s a role filled with unforgettable moments, deep connections, and the knowledge that you’ve made a lasting difference in someone’s life.
To every wish granter, mahalo nui loa for your dedication, compassion, and heart. You are the bridge between dreams and reality, and because of you, wishes shine brightly for keiki and their families across our islands.
If you’re interested in attending a Wish Granter training, please contact Volunteer Outreach Manager Will Phelps at wphelps@hawaii.wish.org.
Wish Granters bring joy to keiki across the islands, sharing aloha as they grant wishes statewide.
Leigh and Nancy on Kauai
Rebecca, Lenore, and Talia on Oahu
Rose and Toni on Hawaii Island
Jen and Nikki on Maui
work. And now, each time a visitor steps into the office, they will be reminded not only of the magic of wishes come true but of the generosity of community partners like Calvin & Susie that makes them possible.
Calvin & Susie has been an Oahu staple for premium pet food and supplies for more than 15 years. Owners Alli and Steve Yamane have turned a personal commitment to feeding their dogs the most nutritious food possible into a successful business with locations in Kailua and Honolulu. Through their support of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, their care for the community extends to Hawaii’s keiki, inspiring hope for children with critical illnesses through lifechanging wishes.
Calvin & Susie recently made a generous $50,000 gift toward naming the Welcome Center at Make-A-Wish Hawaii for the next two years. The Yamane ‘ohana also contributed an additional $50,000 to establish the Yamane Family Endowment, ensuring more wishes will be granted
for children across the state for years to come.
“I always felt that children and animals are the innocents in this world who need the most protection and care,” said Alli. “We want to help protect and support those who need it the most.”
The Calvin & Susie Welcome Center is a space where Make-A-Wish Hawaii visitors—including wish families, volunteers, donors, and community supporters—are greeted with aloha as they first walk through the doors of the downtown Honolulu headquarters. With its signature blue backdrop and star logo, the Calvin & Susie Welcome Center creates an inviting, warm first impression and offers a tangible space representing Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s transformative
The Yamanes’ connection to Make-AWish began seven years ago when they learned of Ally, a 12-year-old from Pearl City fighting cancer. After helping bring her wish to go to Walt Disney World® for Christmas to life, Alli and Steve have continued to deepen their heartfelt support. Their recent $100,000 gift on behalf of both their ‘ohana and their business will deliver strength and joy to more keiki like Ally and their families, now and in the future.
“We would like for [Hawaii wish families] to know that people care and for them to keep hope.”
STEVE
Mahalo to Calvin & Susie and the Yamane family for bringing us closer to realizing our vision of reaching every eligible child across the islands with the life-changing power of a wish.
To learn more about naming opportunities, endowments, and other ways to support MakeA-Wish Hawaii, please contact Madalyn Kenney Bumanglag at mkenney@hawaii.wish.org.
The Calvin & Susie Welcome Center at Make-A-Wish Hawaii was named thanks to the generous support of Steve and Alli Yamane.
PRESENTING
SPONSOR
KEIKI SPRINT SPONSOR
RESORT SPONSOR
Step Into Holiday Magic at JINGLE ROCK RUN
Ring in the holiday season at Jingle Rock Run , presented by Road Builders Corporation! On Sunday, December 7, Ko Olina Resort will sparkle with holiday cheer as families, friends, and wish supporters gather for this merry tradition.
Bring your ‘ohana for an afternoon of holiday magic, including:
• Keiki games, entertainment, and food trucks on the event lawn
• Keiki Sprint presented by United Airlines, a fun-filled dash for kids ages 12 and younger
• A festive 2.5-mile sunset stroll through Ko Olina Resort
ROPE FOR WISHES RODEO
Join Make-A-Wish Hawaii at the 8th annual Rope for Wishes Rodeo, hosted by Lazy L Ranch on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 at beautiful Kualoa Ranch!
This community event benefits the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, established in memory of Taiyo, a remarkable 19-year-old wish kid from Kaneohe. Through the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, Taiyo’s legacy of generosity continues to inspire and will help grant life-changing wishes for Hawaii keiki for years to come.
Mahalo to Lazy L Ranch and the cowboy community for rallying together to make wishes come true!
Learn more about Taiyo’s legacy and the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund.
SUBARU HAWAI‘I SHARE THE LOVE
Drive into the season of giving with Subaru Hawai‘i! For every new Subaru vehicle purchased in Hawaii between November and December 2025, Subaru Hawai‘i will donate $350 to their Share the Love nonprofit partners—including Make-A-Wish Hawaii! Learn how your purchase can help grant wishes at subaruhawaii.com. Together, we can drive hope forward and make wishes come true.
Make a Giving Tuesday Gift
Join the global movement of generosity by making a gift on Giving Tuesday, December 2 at hawaii.wish.org/donate.
Give the Gift of Legacy
Support wishes through your Donor Advised Fund or a gift of stock. Get started at hawaii.wish.org/daf
Sign up for Jingle Rock Run
Join Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s holiday fundraiser! Sign up or make a gift at jinglerockrun.com.
Help wishes come true this holiday season!
This season, your gift can spark joy, inspire hope, and change a child’s life forever. Whether you want to shop, run, or give in someone’s honor, here’s your ultimate wish-granting giving guide.
Give the Gift of Travel
Donate your airline miles from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, or any carrier to help wish families take flight. Donate miles at hawaii.wish.org/airline-miles.
Shop with Purpose
When you shop Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s online store for apparel and accessories, all net proceeds from your purchase directly support Make-A-Wish Hawaii. Shop now at hawaii.wish.org/shop.
Wheels for Wishes
Donate your car, truck, RV, or boat to help wishes come true! To learn more, cruise over to wheelsforwishes.org/hawaii.
Join the Wish Society
Ongoing support is essential to wish granting, and members receive opportunities to engage deeper in our mission. Learn more at hawaii.wish.org/wishsociety. 11 hawaii.wish.org
