Wish Kid Atticus gives an allstar performance with Kaylee Brooke Shimizu at the WISH! In the Wild gala.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cayenne Pe‘a - Board Chair
Tricia Fujikawa Lee – Treasurer
Travis Kikuchi – Secretary
Todd Bedford
Deanna Butler
Tom Calame
Erik DeRyke
Julianne Erickson
Rick Fried
Michelle Ho
Charles Hunter
Todd Iacovelli
Martin Marino
Joe Medwetz
Brenda Mitchell
Katie Pickman
Dr. Angela Pratt
Jade Richardson
Mike Rompel
Ed Schultz
Andrew Shimabukuro
Garret Sugai
Dr. Rupa Wong
Aaron Yamasaki
CONNECT WITH US @MAKEAWISHHAWAII
Aloha,
This spring, you helped ignite a movement of hope across our islands.
From surprise wish reveals and city buildings glowing in blue to our most successful gala ever, this season has been filled with powerful reminders of what’s possible when a compassionate community comes together.
During World Wish Month, we raised over $100,000—thanks to you. One of the most heartwarming experiences was watching 5-year-old Pandora learn her wish to go to Walt Disney World® was coming true—live on KHON2, with Mickey Mouse there to celebrate!
That spirit of hope continued at our WISH! In the Wild gala, presented by the Arrillaga Foundation. It was an extraordinary evening where wish kids, families, and supporters came together and helped raise a record-breaking $1.1 million! One of the most moving highlights was watching Wish Kid Atticus perform “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” with Kaylee Brooke Shimizu—just days after his wish to meet his musical hero, Mr. Rob, came true.
As we look ahead, I invite you to keep the momentum going. Our 19 th Annual Swing for Wishes golf tournament returns on October 16 at Hawaii Prince Golf Club—and we’d love to see you there! Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up at swingforwishes.com.
And on December 7, join us for Jingle Rock Run, presented by Road Builders Corporation! Celebrate the holidays and help grant wishes while enjoying a festive afternoon at Ko Olina Resort. Register by July 31 to save $5 and receive an exclusive holiday item as part of our Christmas in July promotion!
Because of you, wishes aren’t just granted—they’re celebrated, remembered, and life-changing. Thank you for believing in the power of a wish and for standing with us to bring strength and joy to Hawaii’s keiki.
Much aloha,
Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO
Mickey Mouse made a magical appearance during our World Wish Month telethon to help celebrate Pandora’s wish reveal!
I wish to meet Mr. Rob Atticus, 9, Laie heart condition
A Life of Resilience, Set to Music
At 24 weeks pregnant, due to a medical complication, Aliah was given three hours to pack a hospital bag and prepare to say goodbye to her unborn son. Born at 1 pound, 6 ounces, Atticus, lovingly called “Atti,” was incredibly fragile and fighting for his life.
“They told us there was a slim chance we both might make it. And somehow, we did,” Aliah, his mom, remembers.
After nearly a year in the hospital and open-heart surgery at just four months old, Atti came home with a feeding tube, oxygen support, and around-the-clock care. Then one day as a toddler, he crawled to a toy piano and played London Bridge by ear.
“He couldn’t even talk or walk,” Aliah says. “He would just crawl around and play piano.”
Today, 9-year-old Atti is a gifted musician whose passion has become more than a pastime—music is his voice, his way of coping, self-regulating, and connecting with the world. He taught himself to play, spending hours each day immersed in instruments and memorizing melodies from his favorite YouTube teacher, Mr. Rob of Prodigies Music. Mr. Rob’s colorful videos became part of Atti’s daily rhythm and emotional healing.
When Atti learned he would receive a wish from Make-A-Wish Hawaii, his heart was set on one thing: to meet and perform with Mr. Rob in person.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, that wish came true in the presidential suite of the Sheraton Waikiki. Mr. Rob flew in from Maui in his signature yellow pants, expecting to meet a young fan. What he found instead was a musician who knew every note by heart.
Scan to watch Atticus’ wish come true!
Atti brought a suitcase full of instruments from his Laie home—two pianos, Boomwhackers, bells, a kalimba, ukulele, an Otamatone, and to top it all off, boundless joy. For hours, the suite overflowed with music, laughter, rhythm, and connection.
For Atti, it was a day he’ll always remember. Doing what he loves with his musical hero, he was seen, recognized, and celebrated— not for what he’s endured, but for who he truly is.
This is what Make-A-Wish Hawaii provides—the healing power of joy, and the unshakable belief that the best parts of wish kids’ stories are still being written.
“While the star-struck feeling may have started one-sided, by the end of our jam session, I was the one in awe of Atti. He left hyped. I left humbled. And I think we all left with full hearts.”
—MR. ROB , PRODIGIES MUSIC
To all the people that helped make his wish come true, Aliah says, “A big thank you, mahalo, from our family and Atti. It’s been a long journey for us, and we’re just really grateful,
LIFE-CHANGING WISHES
Enjoy a glimpse of recent wishes granted thanks to your generous support!
Kainoa’s Customized Golf Cart Delivers Joy and Hope
Twelve-year-old Kainoa, affectionately called Kai, has spent much of the last two years navigating hospitals, treatments, and unanswered questions. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2023, he has endured more than most kids.
A thoughtful and low-key surfer boy from Waialua, Kai often found himself daydreaming during long hospital stays. One recurring image brought him comfort: golf carts. On the North Shore, they were a familiar sight, zipping through neighborhoods or heading to the beach. Imagining himself behind the wheel brought him a sense of normalcy and escape.
Day after day, Kai would draw golf carts and imagine cruising with his brothers. These daydreams that reminded him of life before his diagnosis allowed him to picture the possibilities still ahead and became a bright spot during hard days.
“As we’re in the hospital, there’s a lot of downtime, so I feel like that’s when most of the dreaming went on,” said his mom, Heidi.
When wish granters asked what he would want more than anything, Kai didn’t hesitate. He wished for a golf cart of his own; one he personally designed, from the sea-blue paint and oversized wheels to LED lights and his nickname, “Kai Boi,” proudly displayed across the hood.
His wish inspired a wave of generosity across the island. Board member Todd Bedford led the charge through his company, Lifeline Fire & Security, which proudly sponsored Kai’s wish. Several local businesses also stepped up to provide in-kind support and services. Golf Concepts provided the golf cart and new tires. Oahu Battery Sales & Service installed customizations. Pearlridge Fender and Body gave it a flawless finish with body work and paint. VRS Upholstery and Sales upholstered the seats, and Pacific Transfer safely transported it to Kai’s house. Together, they transformed the cart into something truly one-of-a-kind.
The day of the reveal, Kai biked home from school, unaware his wish was about to come true. As he reached his driveway, Make-A-Wish Hawaii volunteers and neighbors opened the gate to reveal his custom golf cart, gleaming in the sunlight. Kai stepped off his bike in awe, his smile beaming at the sight. He paused for a moment, then, still awestruck, hugged his family and supporters as they celebrated enthusiastically.
“He’s a stoic guy but Kai was so thrilled and his heart was so happy that he got choked up in a good way. I cried happy tears for him!” Heidi said.
The reveal gave Kai a tangible reminder that dreams can come true and that joy still has a place in his journey. But the wish meant something deeper to the family than just a fun occasion.
“The wish experience as a whole has not just been a wish. Our wish team has a relationship with Kai. It’s not a one-time wish. It’s been a friendship,” Heidi said.
After two years of appointments and tough conversations, the wish gave his family a chance to celebrate something purely good.
Kai’s wish wasn’t just about a golf cart. It was about restoring joy and a sense of childhood that illness had tried to take away.
For Kai, it was the ride of a lifetime. For everyone else, it was a reminder of what’s possible when compassion takes the wheel.
Mahalo to Lifeline Fire & Security for helping make Kainoa’s wish come true!
Watch Kainoa’s wish story!
I wish to have a customized golf cart Kainoa,
12, Waialua brain tumor
HAWAII’S LEADING PROACTIVE VIDEO MONITORING PARTNER
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Cassandra, 5, Wahiawa leukemia
A Magical Wish Helps Cassandra Shine Bright
At just 5 years old, Cassandra—affectionately known as Cassie—has already shown incredible strength. In November 2022, her world changed when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Through countless appointments and treatments, Cassie stayed her sweet, spirited self, often finding comfort in Bluey, Minnie Mouse, and the Disney princesses she adores.
When asked what she wished for most, her answer was clear: to visit Walt Disney World®. Surrounded by magic, music, and her favorite princesses, Cassie’s dream came true—and with it came pure joy and bright smiles to last a lifetime.
“My heart was so full watching how happy and beautiful Cassie was during her wish,” shared her mom, Levie.
This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to the generosity of Maui Divers Jewelry. Mahalo for helping Cassie believe in magic and giving her strength to keep smiling through her journey.
Adventures Await: Aelyn’s Wish Brings Renewed Hope for the Future
Five-year-old Aelyn from Kaneohe has faced a lifetime of medical challenges due to an autoimmune disorder that makes it difficult for her brain to communicate with her muscles. She’s undergone 14 surgeries, but through it all, she’s remained adventurous, joyful—and full of love for Disney’s Moana and her silly sidekick, Heihei.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Aelyn’s most heartfelt wish came true: a trip to Walt Disney World® with her family. For the first time, they felt safe enough to travel out of state, supported by the care and planning that goes into every wish.
“This was the first real ‘normal’ situation we’ve been in since Aelyn was born,” said her mom, Whitney. From meeting Moana to playing in the sand and even riding rollercoasters, Aelyn experienced firsts her family never thought possible.
“This trip meant the world to us,” Whitney shared. “Seeing her excitement at getting to do things that ‘regular’ kids get to do made us feel like everything would always be ok.”
Aelyn’s wish was more than a getaway—it was a turning point. It brought her family joy and showed them that brighter days are ahead.
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® to meet Moana Aelyn, 5, Kaneohe autoimmune disorder
Watch Aelyn’s wish story, featured on Living808 during World Wish Month!
WISH! In the Wild was an unforgettable night of hope and celebration, where wish kids, families, volunteers, medical partners, and generous donors came together for one incredible mission: to bring strength and joy to keiki with critical illnesses through the life-changing power of a wish.
WISH! In the Wild raised a record-breaking $1.1 million—our most successful fundraising event in Make-A-Wish Hawaii history!
One of the most moving moments of the evening was watching Wish Kid Atticus perform “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” live with Kaylee Brooke Shimizu, just days after his wish to meet and perform with his musical hero, Mr. Rob, came true. Thanks to your support, more keiki across the state will soon experience the transformational magic of a wish too.
Mahalo to our sponsors, especially Arrillaga Foundation, for your fierce generosity and unwavering belief in our mission.
Special mahalo to Wish Kids Atticus, DJ, Jerni, Kellan, and Kyleigh for participating in the program, and to Wish Kids DJ, Ephraim, Jerni, and Laila for starring in the safari-themed photo shoot!
WISH! Gala Recap
WISH! Gala Honorees
The Adventure of a Wish
Watch Atticus’ performance!
M AHALO TOOUR SPONSORS
PRESENTED BY
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Rick & Susie Fried
The Jackson & Zilber ‘Ohana and Bob& Melissa Bruhl
Steve & Marilyn PhilanthropicKatzmanFund
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Jennifer A. Oyer
Todd Iacovelli
World Wish Month: A Celebration of Hope and Community
Throughout April, our community came together to make World Wish Month a powerful celebration of hope. Thanks to your compassion and generosity, more than $100,000 was raised to help grant life-changing wishes for keiki with critical illnesses across the state.
We kicked off the month with an incredible gift from Maui Divers Jewelry, who donated 100% of online sales on April 1— raising nearly $38,000 in a single day! On April 17, our KHON2 Telethon raised nearly $50,000 and featured a magical surprise for 5-year-old Pandora from Pearl City as she learned her wish to go to Walt Disney World® is coming true. Mickey Mouse joined the celebration, live on air!
Throughout the month, KHON2’s Living808 spotlighted inspiring stories from children and families whose lives have been transformed through the power of a wish. Across town, buildings including Honolulu Hale and the IBM Building were lit up in blue to raise awareness, while corporate partners launched their own fundraising campaigns to help grant wishes. Wish Kid Titus of Kamuela was delighted to see his photo on a box of pepperoni pizza—one of 50,000 informational flyers that were shared on Domino’s Hawaii pizza boxes across the state!
To every WishMaker—our donors, volunteers, and partners— who helped make this month so meaningful, mahalo. Because of you, more children can experience the joy, strength, and power of a wish.
Michelle Ho Community Volunteer
Michelle Ho has been a dedicated member of the Make-A-Wish Hawaii Board of Directors for six years, where her multifaceted contributions have strengthened our organization and expanded our impact. As an active wish granter, Michelle brings joy and hope directly to keiki and their families. She has participated in heartfelt initiatives like the “Wish Walk” at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, visiting hospitalized wish kids to bring much-needed joy throughout their journey.
Beyond her hands-on volunteerism, Michelle plays a strategic role within the organization. She serves on both the development and governance committees, where her insights help shape fundraising strategies and ensure strong organizational oversight. She has also facilitated key introductions that have broadened our network of support.
“Wish kids and their families continually inspire me with their extraordinary strength, courage, and grace as they face unimaginable challenges,” Michelle says. “What moves me is the pure joy and excitement when their wish is granted—and the light and hope they hold in their hearts thereafter.
Michelle’s compassion, leadership, and dedication continue to move our mission forward in meaningful ways.
Wish Granter Becky Uplifts Keiki Through Heartfelt Service
Two years ago, Becky joined MakeA-Wish Hawaii as a volunteer Wish Granter on Maui. Since then, she has already helped grant wishes for 10 keiki, volunteered at every event on island, and sewn custom princess dresses for wish kids, making each child feel truly special.
Becky’s journey with Make-A-Wish Hawaii started
Carly
Clement Vice President Hawai‘i Vacation Condos by Outrigger
Carly Clement has been a vibrant force on Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Young Leaders Board since joining two years ago. A passionate advocate for local keiki, Carly has brought energy, generosity, and heart to every role she’s taken on. As a Jingle Rock Run Leadership Challenge co-captain, she helped lead fundraising efforts for one our most beloved annual events, rallying community support to bring the gift of a wish to Hawaii keiki.
Carly also played a key role in the Young Leaders Board’s signature event, Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki, by donating beverages and helping to create a fun, festive atmosphere that engaged new supporters.
“During my time with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, I’ve met the most open-minded, positive, and compassionate people—from the hardworking team and dedicated volunteers to the incredible wish families,” Carly says. “Being part of this mission reminds me daily to be grateful for what we often take for granted.”
Her commitment to our mission and willingness to give her time, resources, and talents have made her an integral part of the Make-A-Wish ‘ohana—and a shining example of leadership in action.
a couple of years earlier, inspired by a family member’s illness. Searching for something positive to focus on during a challenging holiday season, Becky and her family began donating gifts for wish kids, wrapping presents, and creating special stockings filled with thoughtful items. This uplifting tradition quickly became an annual event that deepened her connection to the Make-A-Wish mission.
Before long, Becky felt called to give even more. “I started to feel as though a year was too long to wait to contribute,” she says. She reached out to offer her sewing skills, something she enjoyed
from making dress-up clothes for her daughter. The response was enthusiastic, and soon Becky signed up to be a Wish Granter.
Today, Becky delights in helping children discover their most heartfelt wishes, and design and create their dream princess gowns. “The kids really love designing their own ball gowns! They take pride in their creations,” she shares.
Volunteering remains profoundly meaningful to Becky: “The joy that I get from being a part of a child’s wish journey is immeasurable.”
If you’re interested in attending a Wish Granter training, please contact Volunteer Outreach Manager Will Phelps at wphelps@hawaii.wish.org.
YLB SPOTLIGHT
Advocating for Hope: Alyssa Carey, LCSW, champions granting wishes to keiki with complex conditions
Guided by a lifelong dream to make a difference, Alyssa Carey impacts the lives of Hawaii children and their families every day as a social worker at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children’s Pediatric Complex Care Clinic (PC3). From coordinating care to connecting families with essential community resources, Alyssa is a trusted partner in her patients’ medical journeys. And in her tireless work to ensure every eligible child may experience the transformative power of a wish, she is also a valued partner in our mission at Make-AWish Hawaii.
Most of Alyssa’s patients are nonverbal, and many face lifelong conditions, sometimes multiple conditions at once. The Kapi‘olani clinic streamlines their care, allowing them to see all their specialists—including a nurse practitioner, dietitian, behavioral health specialist, palliative care APRN, pulmonologist, neurologist, physiatrist, orthopedic surgeon and the Ho‘omana rehab team—at the same time. Because their conditions are more complex, there is a lot involved in the referral process that qualifies patients for a wish.
That’s where Alyssa comes in. She is in constant communication with the team at MakeA-Wish Hawaii, asking questions about potential eligibility, providing supporting documentation, and giving valuable feedback on the referral process—all with the goal of granting as many wishes as possible.
“I don’t think families know how much work goes on behind the scenes, and I don’t like to tell them,” says Alyssa. “They have so much going on, and I try to go the extra mile and advocate for them so they can focus on the day-to-day.”
Her dedication has made a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients. Thanks to her thoughtful efforts, more children than ever are being identified as candidates for the Make-AWish Hawaii program and have either had wishes granted or are now beginning their wish journeys. Alyssa has even inspired fellow providers to refer patients with complex diagnoses, helping bring more hope, brighter futures, and life-changing wishes to Hawaii keiki.
“Specialty doctors are starting to see more kids have wishes granted, and they are feeling encouraged.”
—ALYSSA , LCSW
Now, when she and her team sit down with patients, there is another element in the room, one more tangible than ever: hope. Photos of smiling siblings, excited updates about wishes in the works, collaborative brainstorms about how best to honor a child’s unique medical needs while fulfilling their most heartfelt desires—such moments now infuse joy into the journey.
“These families have so many ups and downs, and wishes provide something to look forward to,” Alyssa says. “Knowing they can have a great experience together and make memories that will last the rest of their lives is impactful for the whole family.”
Mahalo to Alyssa for transforming lives through her referrals! To learn more about wish eligibility or to make a life-changing wish referral, visit wish.org/refer-a-child.
Alyssa with 15-year-old Reison of Kaneohe, whose wish to go to Walt Disney World® was granted last summer.
Foundations Hawaii, Inc. Lays
the Groundwork for Wishes to Come True
Since its inception 30 years ago, Kapolei-based concrete contracting company Foundations Hawaii has lived up to its name, laying lasting foundations for apartments, businesses, hotels, and other major projects across the state. In addition to paving the way for the vital spaces where local families live and work, the company has also spent over half of its history constructing something less tangible but just as enduring: hope. A longtime partner of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Foundations Hawaii President Kevin Pena and his team have generously donated hundreds of thousands of dollars toward granting life-changing wishes for Hawaii children fighting critical illnesses.
“Our local community and families support us in what we do, so it’s important to me to give back in any way we can,” says Pena. “I’m a firm believer in taking care of others.”
Pena first encountered Make-A-Wish Hawaii when a close friend’s daughter received a wish during her fight with leukemia. Pena recalls how witnessing the “magic that let her step away from her illness” encouraged him to get involved. One of his most memorable moments with the organization came shortly after, when he met 11-year-old wish kid Skylar, who wished to give the gift of sun protection through her creation of HiSky, a fashionable hat company. Navigating three critical diagnoses that required her to prioritize sun protection, Skylar turned her doctors’ orders into an opportunity to educate and empower others.
Inspired by these strong keiki, Pena joined the board of directors and has been dedicated to transforming lives through the power of a wish ever since.
Beyond his service on the board, Pena and his team at Foundations Hawaii have supported Make-A-Wish Hawaii in
I wish to got to Walt Disney World® Kiryn, 6, Waipahu nervous system disorder
myriad ways, from generous individual gifts to event sponsorships and company matches. The team has been a mainstay of annual events like the Swing for Wishes golf tournament and WISH! Gala, raising critical funds on the green and in the ballroom to grant the wishes of keiki like 6-year-old Kiryn, whose wish to go to Walt Disney World® sparked joy and strength as she faced the challenges of a nervous system disorder.
For Pena, teamwork—whether in creating lasting structures or life-changing wishes—is essential: “While one person can make a difference, an entire team can have that much more of an impact.”
His team’s continued commitment to our mission earned the company the title of Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s 2024 Corporate Partner of the Year. And at this year’s WISH! In the Wild gala, they generously went on to match $25,000 in donations during Fund-A-Wish, a live auction that goes toward funding waiting wishes, while Pena personally drove a bidding war in efforts to be the last donor to give.
“I’m always up for a challenge! When I looked around and saw those same paddles going up and numbers being called, I knew it was on, and I did not want to be outdone,” he says. “More importantly, I saw the opportunity to raise money for such a purposeful cause. It feels good to know that I can help put a smile on a child’s face, let them forget about their illness, and just be a child.”
Mahalo nui loa to Kevin Pena and Foundations Hawaii for laying the groundwork for more transformative wishes across the islands.
To learn about corporate partnership opportunities and other ways to get involved, please contact Senior Manager of Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships Arden Salassa at asalassa@hawaii.wish.org.
