I wish to meet a capybara Titus, 9, Kamuela neuromuscular disorder
ON THE COVER
Capybaras are a symbol of strength and joy for Wish Kid Titus. He says meeting one in person was exciting!
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,
Every wish begins with a spark—an idea, a dream, a moment of hope. And when a wish comes true, that spark ignites something even greater: joy, strength, and the power to keep fighting.
At Make-A-Wish Hawaii, we’ve seen this magic time and again, most recently in Titus, who wished to meet a capybara. His excitement, curiosity, and pure happiness remind us why we do what we do—because a wish is so much more than a day or a trip. It’s an experience that transforms lives and gives children hope.
This April, we invite you to be part of this transformation during World Wish Month. Many local businesses are stepping up to support our mission, including Maui Divers Jewelry, which is donating 100% of online sales on April 1 to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. And on April 17, we’ll share inspiring wish stories during our World Wish Month Telethon on KHON2—a special opportunity to learn more about the impact of a wish and a chance to show your support.
Looking ahead, we are excited to honor the incredible individuals and organizations that help make wishes possible at our annual WISH! Gala on May 3 at the Sheraton Waikiki. This year’s theme, WISH! In the Wild, reflects the adventurous spirit of our wish kids and the vast community that rallies behind them. Meet this year’s honorees in this issue and learn more at wishgalahawaii.com.
None of this would be possible without the dedicated community of supporters, volunteers, and team members who make wishes a reality. I am proud to share that Make-A-Wish Hawaii has been named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Hawaii by Hawaii Business Magazine! This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment of our incredible team.
Because of supporters like you, wishes continue to inspire, heal, and uplift our local keiki. Together, we are building a future where every eligible child receives their wish, bringing hope to families when they need it most.
Much aloha,
Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO
Wish Kids Paige and Cruz greeted guests at Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki. Learn more about the event on page 8.
capybara Titus, 9, Kamuela neuromuscular disorder
Nlove for animals, but one creature in particular captured his heart—the capybara. Known as the world’s largest rodent, these gentle and sociable animals fascinated Titus, who would watch videos and read about them with endless curiosity. The capybara became a symbol of strength and joy during some of the most challenging times in his young life.
Growing up with a neuromuscular disorder, Titus faces daily obstacles that most children his age don’t have to consider. He loves adventure and playing outside, but his condition makes it difficult for him to keep up with his two older brothers, especially when climbing trees or playing in the water. As Titus’ condition made everyday activities more difficult—stumbling while playing, falling behind, and traveling frequently to Oahu for medical care—he was buoyed by the happiness that his favorite animal brought him.
Titus wears a capybara T-shirt to all of his medical appointments. It’s a conversation starter with his care team and brings his thoughts to a happier place. Titus’ mother, Mina, recalls Dr. Aileen Tanaka, pediatric neurologist at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, suggested that perhaps Titus should meet a capybara in person, and referred him to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. It was the start of a fantastic journey, and meeting a capybara was exactly what Titus had in mind for his most heartfelt wish. Right away, he began planning which capybara plush toy to bring on his trip.
Thanks to the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, which ensures wishes can continue to be granted for generations to come, Titus’ wish came true. He and his family traveled to San Diego to meet capybaras at Nurtured by Nature—an experience that brought him and his family immense joy and gratitude.
For Titus, the experience was everything he had hoped for and more. He learned about the capybaras’ habitat, their social behaviors, and even their unique relationships with other animals. He got to feed, pet, and spend lots of time with his favorite animal. “It was exciting to meet a capybara!” Titus shares. He also held river otters in the pool, pet a two-toed sloth, and fed a fox.
Beyond the animal encounters, the experience gave Titus more confidence. Before his wish, being in water had always been a challenge. But here, surrounded by the kindness of others and immersed in an experience created just for him, he felt a new sense of possibility. He splashed alongside the otters and carried himself with a newfound self-assurance. “It made me feel special,” he says.
The wish experience also gave his family a chance to bond, relax, and make unforgettable memories together, away from the worries of medical treatments and hospital visits.
“It was breathtaking. Every part of the trip was special,” says Mina. “I think it made him realize how big the world is, and that there are so many amazing people out there who are willing and want to help him. He still talks about it, and he is so grateful and loves the animals even more.”
LIFE-CHANGING WISHES
Enjoy a glimpse of recent wishes granted thanks to your generous support!
DJ’s Wish is a Source of Strength
DJ, a kind and creative 9-year-old from Honolulu, was born with congenital heart disease at Rady Children’s Hospital in California. Since birth, he has endured multiple open-heart surgeries. When he wished to go to Disneyland®, he explained he wanted to return to California “for a fun reason”—a break from the hospitals and surgeries that have shaped his life.
The anticipation of his wish gave DJ the courage to face his upcoming surgery. “He wasn’t as scared and [was] more willing to go through with the surgery because he had his Disneyland wish to look forward to,” says his mom, Kristi Ann.
Thanks to the heartfelt support of First Hawaiian Bank, DJ’s wish was granted! He raced through Radiator Springs, drove his own Autopia car, and met beloved characters—his face beaming with joy.
DJ’s wish gave him confidence and a brighter outlook for the future—gifts that will stay with him long after his trip.
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® and Meet Winnie the Pooh Paige, 3, Honolulu cancer
I wish to go to Disneyland® DJ, 9, Honolulu congenital heart disease
Mahalo, First Hawaiian Bank, for saying YES to the power of a wish!
Paige’s Wish: A Hug from Pooh and a World of Magic
Paige, a cheerful 3-year-old from Honolulu, is bravely fighting cancer. Her journey has included months of chemotherapy and radiation, yet through it all, she has shown remarkable resilience, finding joy in her favorite things: Disney movies, Bluey, and—most of all—Winnie the Pooh. When Paige was asked what she wished for, her answer was clear: to meet Pooh Bear!
Thanks to the generous support of Marilyn and Steve Katzman, Paige’s wish was granted! Her magical adventure was filled with unforgettable experiences—from dancing with Pooh Bear to sharing warm hugs with Mickey, Minnie, and Moana. She laughed with Pluto and Goofy, rode a unicorn on the merry-go-round, and visited Cinderella’s castle.
“The wish brought us closer as a family,” shares wish mom Jaymie-Lyn. “We made a lot of special memories that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”
Mahalo to Marilyn and Steve Katzman for making Paige’s wish come true and bringing her strength and hope when she needed it most.
I wish to go to
Kiryn’s Wish Immerses Her in Childlike Wonder
Kiryn is a determined 6-year-old from Waipahu with a nervous system disorder. She has faced medical challenges since birth, including a stroke that took away her ability to communicate and use the right side of her body. Yet, she continues to work hard to regain her speech and motor skills.
Kiryn wished to go to Walt Disney World®, and thanks to the support of Foundations Hawaii, her wish came true! Her wish granters planned a special surprise wish reveal party at Storybook Station. “Her reaction was absolutely priceless,” says Kiryn’s mother, Lauryn. “This was truly the happiest I have ever seen her.”
At Disney World, Kiryn was immersed in the magic of simply being a kid. She met her favorite characters, sang along to her favorite songs, watched exciting parades and dazzling light displays, rode thrilling rides, and so much more. “This experience was just pure joy, and our family will forever be grateful,” says Lauryn. The wish gave Kiryn and her family renewed strength to continue imagining all that is possible.
Mahalo to Foundations Hawaii for helping make Kiryn’s wish come true!
Kanaloa’s Wish
is
the Ultimate Family Adventure
Kanaloa is an adventurous boy with a big imagination. He loves dinosaurs, Disney, and Power Rangers, and he enjoys diving into books that transport him to faraway lands. But his childhood has not been without challenges. Due to his medical condition, Kanaloa underwent a life-saving liver transplant, requiring frequent trips off island for treatment. While one parent traveled with him, the other stayed behind to care for his six siblings.
When Kanaloa learned he could wish for anything, he didn’t hesitate—his heart was set on Disney World! Thanks to Dawson’s support, Kanaloa’s wish was granted! For the first time, his family of nine traveled together, creating lifelong memories.
“We all will never forget this moment in our lives,” shared his dad, Kamakea. “We were truly blessed to have Make-A-Wish Hawaii make our son Kanaloa’s wish come true.”
Kanaloa was thrilled to explore DinoLand at Animal Kingdom, brave rollercoasters at Universal Studios, and even visit the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. His wish gave his family a much-needed escape and the joy of experiencing new adventures together.
Mahalo, Dawson, for your heartfelt generosity to grant wishes for keiki like Kanaloa!
I wish to go to
Walt Disney World® Kanaloa, 8, Molokai liver transplant
Walt Disney World® Kiryn, 6, Waipahu nervous system disorder
SHERATON WAIKIKI
MAY
3, 2025
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with WISH! In the Wild, a gala that promises to be as thrilling as it is heartwarming. Step into a world where the wonders of the wild meet the magic of wishes, all in support of Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Your partnership plays a crucial role in empowering these brave keiki to fight for their health and imagine life beyond illness, instilling in them the courage to dream.
We hope you’ll be part of this incredible journey as we work together to transform lives, one wish at a time. WISH! In the Wild is expected to sell out. To explore sponsorship opportunities and reserve your table, please contact Arden Salassa, Senior Manager of Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships, at asalassa@hawaii.wish.org. If you would like to contribute an item or experience to the online auction, please email gala@hawaii.wish.org.
To learn more about WISH! In the Wild, visit wishgalahawaii.com
MEET OUR 2025 Honorees
CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Swinerton
Construction and wish granting share a common thread: vision, planning, and a dedicated team. Swinerton, a national construction company with deep local roots, understands this well. Led by board member Aaron Yamasaki, Swinerton has helped build brighter futures for Hawaii’s wish kids—helping to grant wishes like Krayson’s wish for a therapy clubhouse and Chelten’s wish to have a batting cage, sponsoring events like Swing for Wishes, and supporting the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund. Mahalo, Swinerton, for your incredible support!
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Christie Robello
When Christie Robello’s youngest son, Joseph, was diagnosed with cancer, his wish to meet Mickey Mouse brought joy and strength to their ‘ohana. Inspired by the impact of his wish, Christie now gives back as a dedicated wish granter, creating unforgettable experiences for other wish families. Her sons, Joseph and Jonah, also volunteer, with Jonah serving on the Youth Leadership Council. Through her passion and commitment, Christie ensures more keiki experience the same life-changing power of a wish.
MEDICAL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Dr. Kelley Hutchins
Dr. Kelley Hutchins, a pediatric oncologist at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, has referred more than 80 kids to Make-A-Wish Hawaii, recognizing the profound impact wishes have on healing. Kyra, a lymphoma survivor, found “light and joy” in her wish, crediting Dr. Hutchins with saving her life. As a Medical Advisory Board member and wish granter, Dr. Hutchins is a true advocate for wish keiki, even joining them on local news to inspire community support.
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Debbie Bacon and Glenn Furuya
Debbie Bacon and Glenn Furuya of Leadership Works are passionate about investing in people. In addition to adopting several local wishes, they are using their natural talent for developing people and organizations to help lay the foundation for more life-changing wishes well into the future–partnering with wish kid Taiyo’s parents to establish the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund and recruiting fellow donors. Their leadership ensures more children will experience the power of a wish for years to come.
WISH FAMILY OF THE YEAR
Wish Kid Pomai and ‘Ohana
Seventeen-year-old Pomai, an aspiring political science major, faced an unexpected leukemia diagnosis that dimmed his once-bright spirit. But when his wish to ski in Utah came true, his light returned. With two physicians in the family who deeply understand hope’s role in healing, Pomai’s ‘ohana now gives back— wishing it forward at Jingle Rock Run and other events. Pomai also serves on our Youth Leadership Council, helping bring more wishes to life for fellow keiki.
MAGIC MAKER OF THE YEAR
Aulani, A Disney® Resort & Spa
Aulani, A Disney® Resort & Spa, brings magic to life for wish families, hosting hundreds of local and visiting wish families each year. Over the past decade, Aulani has been the site of more than 1,575 transformational wishes—including staycations, beachside Mickey Mouse dances, and “Wish Weeks” uniting wish families. Their support extends beyond wishes, with donations and magical touches at events like Jingle Rock Run, where characters, treats, and festive surprises bring joy to wish kids.
Mahalo for your generous support of the 12th annual Jingle Rock Run, presented by Road Builders Corporation at Ko Olina Resort! This joyful holiday celebration brought together wish children and their families, community supporters, dedicated volunteers and generous donors like you to celebrate the season and the life-changing impact of wishes.
More than 2,150 participants walked side-by-side with 83 wish families in this festive celebration. Santa Claus surprised Rhyder, an 8-year-old from Waipahu fighting a blood disorder, with the news that his wish to go to Disney World is coming true!
Thanks to your generosity, Jingle Rock Run raised a recordbreaking $335,000—ensuring that more keiki across the state will experience the joy of a wish come true.
Mahalo for celebrating the holiday season and power of a wish!
Mahalo to everyone who joined us for Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki, presented by the Lemman Family Foundation and hosted by the Young Leaders Board! This unforgettable evening brought together supporters, donors, and community members for a night of celebration and impact— all to grant life-changing wishes for Hawaii keiki.
Watch the Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki recap video
Subaru Hawai‘i Share The Love
During Subaru Hawai‘i’s 13th annual Share the Love event, for every new Subaru vehicle purchased in Hawaii between November 1 and December 31, 2024, Subaru Hawai‘i donated $350 to their Share the Love nonprofit partners—including Make-A-Wish Hawaii! Mahalo, Subaru Hawai‘i, for your continued dedication to driving wishes forward and creating brighter tomorrows for wish keiki!
With delicious food, craft cocktails, and lively music, guests toasted to the power of a wish while raising funds to bring hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. Special mahalo to Wish Kids Aelyn, Cruz, DJ, Kanoa, and Paige for greeting guests as they arrived!
Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, more than $125,000 was raised to ensure more wishes come true across Hawaii. Cheers!
World Wish Month
April is World Wish Month—a monthlong celebration of the power of wishes and the WishMakers who come together to grant them. Local businesses will be activating in stores and online to raise money and rally their customers during World Wish Month. Visit hawaii. wish.org/world-wish-month to learn more!
Katie Pickman General Manager Hawaii News
Now
Katie Pickman’s journey with Make-A-Wish Hawaii began six years ago and quickly grew into a deep and meaningful commitment. Katie has witnessed the magic of wish reveals, trained as a wish granter, and even participated in a Wish Walk at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. Each experience strengthened her belief in the transformative power of a wish.
One of Katie’s most cherished memories is Jingle Rock Run, where she celebrates the holidays with her family, alongside wish families. It’s an event that fills her heart with joy and reminds her of the lasting impact of wishes.
Katie hopes to inspire even more people to join in supporting Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s mission. “The more hearts and hands we have, the more wishes we can grant—and that means more joy, hope, and strength for the keiki and families who need it most,” she says.
Leigh Brings Connection and Creativity to Wish Granting
Leigh’s journey with Make-A-Wish Hawaii began in 2016 when she helped provide meals for wish families at a surf camp on Kauai. Witnessing the power of connection among wish families, she felt inspired to get involved. “This is what I want to do. This is what I want to be a part of,” she recalls.
Since then, Leigh has served as a wish granter for 13 keiki on Kauai and two on Hawaii Island, using her creativity and community connections to make each wish reveal personal and unforgettable. One of her favorite aspects of volunteering is forming connections with the wish kids and their families.
A perfect example of Leigh’s dedication is when she helped bring Iris’ wish to have a dance studio to fruition. Leigh worked with local contractors and community supporters to transform space in the family home into a personalized dance studio with everything Iris dreamt of. The joy on Iris’ face was beyond anything Leigh could have imagined. She says Iris’ wish touched
meaningful journey.
Lansen Leu
Associate
Attorney
Leu Okuda and Doi Lansen Leu first connected with Make-A-Wish Hawaii in 2021 through events and the Young Leaders Board, seeking professional growth. What started as networking quickly became a deeply
Now, he helps strengthen the Wish Ambassador Program, which connects local volunteers with visiting wish families, offering recommendations and support to enhance their experience.
One of Lansen’s most powerful moments was witnessing an emergency wish granted for a child with a rapidly declining condition—only to see the child’s health improve afterward. “That experience really underscored the profound emotional and even physical impact that a wish can have—not just for the wish child, but for their entire family,” Lansen says.
her heart in ways she didn’t expect.
For Leigh, wish granting is one of the most rewarding experiences she’s ever had.
“If I have the time, I’ll always say yes—because I’ve seen firsthand the power of a wish,” she says.
Mahalo, Leigh, for your passion and creativity in bringing hope and joy to wish kids and families across Hawaii!
If you’re interested in attending a Wish Granter training, please contact Volunteer Outreach Manager Will Phelps at wphelps@hawaii.wish.org.
YLB SPOTLIGHT
Everett’s Wish: A Day on the Water with Kai Lenny
As the winter surf season kicked off in Hawaii, 6-year-old Everett, a Florida native who loves the ocean, saw his biggest dream come true—spending a day with his hero, a renowned waterman.
Before his cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2022, Everett was happiest playing in the ocean with his family and friends. During treatment in Florida, chemotherapy left him feeling drained and unable to go in the water. Instead, he found joy in watching surf shows—especially “Life of Kai,” which follows big-wave surfer Kai Lenny. Imagining himself surfing alongside Kai gave Everett much-needed strength. When he wished to meet his surf hero, Kai eagerly brought Everett’s wish to life, curating an actionpacked “Waterman Day” on Maui tailored to the young boy’s adventurous spirit.
Kai brought his ‘ohana and team to share in the experience, including friend and fellow waterman Ola Curnan, a member of the Jaws Water Safety Crew, to ensure a safe and fun day on the water. The day began with exhilarating ocean activities, including SUPSquatching, tandem surfing, and e-foiling. Everett’s excitement and fearless enthusiasm mirrored Kai’s own passion for the ocean. “Everett has endless energy, which is perfect for me,” Kai said. “We match up. We’re in sync. We’re just non-stop!”
After a morning of riding waves, the duo enjoyed a friendly soccer match and a hearty lunch, recharging for an afternoon of kite surfing and more ocean adventures. Kai was deeply
impressed by Everett’s courage and zest for life, noting, “He is such an enthusiastic young boy and is more fearless than I am. After what he went through, there wasn’t one thing we did on the water that deterred or scared him. He truly is a superhero!”
To top off the day, Kai gifted Everett a surfboard from his personal collection—a symbol of his bright and adventurous future ahead.
“This is the best day!” Everett said. “I’m so glad I picked this wish.”
For Kai, the experience was just as meaningful. “The whole day was really special, not just, I think, for him, but for me,” Kai shared. “I really want to thank Make-A-Wish Foundation for putting us together and making this possible. Because of them, I got to do something pretty special for Everett. He’s a good little kid and I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Everett’s wish is a powerful reminder of the joy and resilience that Make-A-Wish brings to children facing critical illnesses. Through the generosity of supporters and the kindness of people like Kai Lenny, dreams continue to charge ahead—one wave at a time.
Make-A-Wish Hawaii was honored to assist Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida in granting Everett’s wish. It’s important to note, wishes to visit Hawaii are funded by the children’s home chapters. All funds raised in Hawaii support local wish keiki.
“This is the best day! I’m so glad I picked this wish.”
—WISH KID EVERETT
To witness the magic of Everett’s Waterman Day, watch the video!
I wish to meet Kai Lenny Everett, 6, Florida cancer
Schuler Family Foundation Names Make-A-Wish Hawaii Headquarters in Memory of Jim Schuler
In the heart of downtown Honolulu at Pioneer Plaza, a place of hope and transformation shines even brighter now thanks to the Schuler Family Foundation. In honor of the late Jim Schuler, whose nearly two decades of unwavering support helped grant life-changing wishes, the Make-A-Wish Hawaii headquarters has proudly been named to honor his legacy.
Through this naming opportunity, the vibrant and inspiring home of Make-A-Wish Hawaii will celebrate the legacy of Jim Schuler. From visits with wish families, volunteers and supporters, to planning heartfelt celebrations and fundraising events, the headquarters is where our wish ‘ohana comes together to bring wishes to life for keiki fighting critical illnesses across the state.
Jim Schuler’s legacy is one of generosity, kindness, and an enduring belief in the power of a wish. His dedication to Make-A-Wish Hawaii and its mission has left an indelible mark on the lives of local keiki and their families. With a generous gift from the Schuler Family Foundation, Jim’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift wish families for years to come.
“Jim always believed in the power of community to create lasting change. His dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and families reflected that commitment. By dedicating this space in his honor, we hope to carry forward his legacy and inspire others to give, support, and believe in the transformative power of a wish,” says Mike Jones of the Schuler Family Foundation.
For nearly 20 years, the Schuler Family Foundation has been a steadfast partner in our mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, aligning with its own dedication to strengthening communities in Hawaii. The Foundation focuses on initiatives that support healthcare, youth development, and community enrichment—making their investment in Make-AWish Hawaii a natural and meaningful fit. Their generosity has extended far beyond the naming of our headquarters; they have played a crucial role in wish sponsorships and events, helping bring hope and joy to children through the wish journey.
An example of this commitment was seen recently when the Schuler Family Foundation, alongside its longtime associates at D.R. Horton, supported Zion’s wish to have an Eagle Scout and graduation party. Zion’s autoimmune disorder caused him to be in and out of the hospital, and there were days when he couldn’t move. But this Honolulu teen found strength in his commitment to schoolwork and reaching the highest level of Scouts. After a year of fighting for his health and his education, Zion graduated and became an Eagle Scout! He wished to have a party to celebrate his achievements, and thanks to the generous support of the Schuler Family Foundation and D.R. Horton, Zion’s wish was granted.
As Make-A-Wish Hawaii continues its mission to grant transformative wishes like Zion’s, we are deeply grateful for the Schuler Family Foundation’s steadfast partnership. Together, we celebrate Jim Schuler’s extraordinary legacy—a legacy of hope, strength, and joy that will live on in the hearts of wish children and their families for years to come.
To learn more about naming opportunities at Make-AWish Hawaii, please contact Madalyn Kenney Bumanglag at mkenney@hawaii.wish.org.
