Make-A-Wish Michigan Newsletter: Winter 2014

WITH OUR BEST

Winter 2014

michigan.wish.org

Emily’s celebrity wish A spotlight caught the glimmer in her blue dress as she stepped up to the microphone. Hundreds of fans smiled in their tuxedos and ball gowns as she began strumming the guitar with her sparkling blue nails. The band swiftly chimed in.

Following the performance, 11-year-old Emily explained to the audience that she chose to sing American Authors hit single “Best Day of My Life” because she knew it was going to be the best day of her life. Her wish to be a celebrity took center stage at Wish Ball at the MGM Grand Detroit on Nov. 8, 2014. But, her wish didn’t start there.

Just six weeks prior, a crowd of TV cameras and journalists flooded into the back door of the fifth graders classroom as her agent proclaimed that she was late for hair and make-up. She needed to come quickly. Her parents smiled through tears as they watched Emily, who was diagnosed with leukemia, stand up from her desk, leaving her pencil atop her notebook. Her classmates began buzzing, and her personal bodyguards escorted her into the hallway.

The hallways were lined with students chanting “Emily,” waving signs and nudging each other to get her autograph on her glossy headshot photo. She adjusted into her new stardom – thanking fans and completing each autographed name with a signature heart before she ducked into her white stretch limo.

She received a celebrity makeover as TV newscasters interviewed her and paparazzi snapped pictures through the salon’s window. She took the spotlight at a glamourous photo shoot, then stopped for lunch at her favorite hot spot. The red carpet rolled out, fans gushed and paparazzi fired off questions and photos.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

© 2014 Andrew Knapik Photography

Wish kid Emily arrives at MGM Grand Detroit for Wish Ball Southeast Michigan.

Dear friends,

Make-A-Wish Michigan Staff Karen Davis President & CEO

This year has been an amazing opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary wishes Make-A-Wish® Michigan has granted over the past 30 years with the help of our supporters. A wish can mean a life-changing experience for wish kids and families, providing an opportunity to shift the focus away from hospital visits and medical treatments. As we celebrate our 30th birthday, we are so grateful for the important role each of you have played in helping to grant wishes to brave Michigan children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

Jennifer Connery Chief Operating Officer Andrea Ayres Executive Assistant Communications Leah Borst Communications Manager

As part of our 30th birthday, we are privileged to recognize 30 Leaders in Joy. These special supporters have been game changers for our organization and impacted our ability to deliver our mission. They represent everyone who makes a difference in the lives of our wish kids and helps to bring hope, strength and joy to hundreds of children each year. As we begin 2015 and launch into the next decade of wish granting, community support will continue to be vital in order to ensure that we can provide life-changing experiences to even more Michigan children. We know that there are more children battling life-threatening medical conditions who could be helped, and, as we look to the future, it will take all of us coming together to help grant these heartfelt wishes. We cannot thank you enough for your tremendous support and all that you do to share the power of a wish® with wish kids and families.

Wishing you a happy New Year –

Sherri Collins Vice President of Marketing & Brand Advancement Ashley Cummins Communications Coordinator Development & Philanthropy Adrian Benedict Stewardship and Annual Fund Manager Kedrin Gall WAM Manager - Community and Rider Relations

With gratitude,

Brooke Jevicks Development Manager, West Jennifer Marentette Director of Special Events

Steve Heacock Karen Davis Chairman of the Board President & CEO

Lauren Metzendorf In-Kind Manager, PT Kelli Jo Peltier WAM Logistics Manager Julie Pendell Vice President of Development

Thank you, Michigan community

Christine Pickering Grants Coordinator, PT

This year, Make-A-Wish® Michigan celebrated 30 years of granting wishes to Michigan kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

Nicole Robertson Corporate and Community Relations Manager - West Michigan, PT

Since 1984, we’ve been privileged to grant more than 8,000 wishes. These wishes would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our Michigan community.

Susan Smith Development Manager Laura Town Director of Corporate Development

From volunteers, to corporate friends to school aged kids to individual supporters and referral sources, tens of thousands have helped make wishes come true for Michigan children.

Thank you for being part of the Make-AWish family and helping to bring hope, strength and joy to so many Michigan children.

Ellie Wilcox Director of Leadership Giving

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Chairman Steve Heacock Senior VP, Community Relations Spectrum Health Grand Rapids Vice Chair Rob Casalou President & CEO St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals Ypsilanti

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D I R E C T O R S

Treasurer John Lallo CFO & Vice President Roskam Baking Co. Grand Rapids Secretary Joe Ziniti Senior Vice President Penske Automotive Group Bloomfield Hills

BOA R D M E M B E R S

Denise Beaudoin Vice President of Customer Engagement Henry Ford Health System Detroit Julie Booth Chief Financial Officer Quicken Loans Detroit

Janette Ferrantino Community Volunteer Ann Arbor Sue Jandernoa Community Volunteer Grand Rapids Scott Miller Partner UHY Advisors, LLP Sterling Heights

Walter F. “Chip” Perschbacher Vice President Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Jelka Petrovic Chief Administrative Officer EHIM, Inc. Southfield

Finance & Operations Dawn Antonelli Donor Care & Gift Processing Coordinator Dawn Gall Office Administrator Susan Raymer RE Database Administrator Jodi Robinson Operations Administrator, West Michigan, PT Margaret Stevens Accountant, PT Kim Wagner Director of Finance & IT

Wish kid Emily helps acknowledge Leaders in Joy honorees Gordie and Karen Roedding at Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan.

Program Services Karol Chubb Program Services Specialist, PT

Make-A-Wish Michigan Recognizes 30 Leaders In Joy in honor of 30th Birthday

Merry Donn Senior Wish Coordinator Erica Hunt Wish Coordinator

Make-A-Wish Michigan is delighted to announce our Leaders in Joy – individuals, corporate friends, community groups and organizations – who have played an integral role in helping to bring hope, strength and joy to wish children and who have made a game-changing difference to our organization during these 30 years.

Brianna Ianni Wish Coordinator Julie McCarthy Wish Coordinator

Honorary Leader in Joy: Michigan’s first wish child, Joshua Kazmierczak

Amway Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Michigan Chapter Beaumont Children’s Hospital Jim Berline The Brown Family Elaine Catlin Children’s Hospital of Michigan – Detroit Medical Center C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital – University of Michigan Health System Detroit Catholic Central High School Detroit Lions Detroit Pistons Detroit Red Wings Detroit Tigers Eaton Barbara Emmons Dr. James Fahner Janette Ferrantino

Jim Ross EVP - Business Operations and Strategy Palace Sports and Etnertainment Auburn Hills Denise Starr Chief Administrative Officer Compuware Corporation Detroit

Chris Pearson Program Manager

Greenridge Dream Team Foundation Don and Lee Hamilton Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital of Spectrum Health Macy’s Meijer Harry and Sharon Miller Cindy and Michael Pettibone Gordie and Karen Roedding Stars Collegiate Groups: MStars (University of Michigan) MSU Stars (Michigan State University) Team Alex Team Taylor Meg Miller Willit Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour Co-founders – Derrick Stange and friends

To read more about each Leader in Joy, visit michigan.wish.org/leadersinjoy.

Cindy VanGelderen Chairperson, Accounting Department Aquinas College Grand Rapids Peter Whitsett EVP – Merchandising/ Marketing Meijer Grand Rapids

Gregory Yanik, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics University of Michigan Ann Arbor Trustee Emeritus Don Hamilton President Hamilton Chevrolet, Inc. Warren

Eric Rilko Medical Outreach Manager Alissa Shipman Senior Wish Coordinator Nancy Spore Vice President of Program Services Mary Veltema Referral & Medical Eligibility Manager Volunteer Services Megan Hengesbaugh Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Post Volunteer Manager To email staff, please use: first name initial, last name@michigan.wish.org.

Chapter Medical Advisor James Fahner, M.D. Division Chief Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Ex Officio Karen Davis President & CEO Make-A-Wish Michigan

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 3

Thank you to our sponsors Walk For Wishes West Michigan Lead Sponsor

Hope Sponsors Mike and Sue Jandernoa Strength Sponsors ACE Vending Service, Inc. Adtegrity Dan Vos Construction Company Tom and Sue Den Herder Etna Supply GRBS Mercantile Bank of Michigan Chip and Judy Perschbacher Walk For Wishes Southeast Michigan Lead Sponsor

J.Ferrantino

Charitable Foundation

Inspiration Sponsors

Kenwal Pickling Meijer

Hope Sponsors

Calverley Supply Company, Inc. /Luxaire Cosi LSG Insurance Partners Quicken Loans Strength Sponsors

Hamilton Chevrolet Trusted Choice® Michigan, Young Agent Council Joy Sponsors

BIGGBY Coffee Dave & Buster’s Rainforest Cafe

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JOIN US 015 May 2, 2 oo Z it o tr e D k, Mich.

Royal Oa

More than 400 participants walked to help grant wishes to Michigan kids during the Walk For Wishes® - West Michigan.

Supporters take a wild walk during Walk For Wishes® – West Michigan Supporters, walkers and volunteers raised more than $75,000 for Make-A-Wish® Michigan during the Walk For Wishes – West Michigan at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids.

wishes. The event included a fun, beautiful walk through the zoo, face painting and many family activities. Catherine Behrendt of WZZM 13 emceed the event for a third consecutive year.

The walk, sponsored by Meijer, was held at the new location where more than 400 participants walked to support Michigan

To view the photo gallery, visit michigan.wish.org/walkforwishes.

More than 2,700 join Walk For Wishes – Southeast Despite a little rain, more than 2,700 supporters joined Make-A-Wish Michigan during the 16th Annual Walk For Wishes – Southeast Michigan at the Detroit Zoo on May 3, 2014. More than $400,000 was raised to help grant the wishes of Michigan kids.

The walk, sponsored by J. Ferrantino Charitable Foundation, was the largest grossing Make-A-Wish walk in the country.

The event was emceed for the third consecutive year by WXYZ Channel 7 Anchor Alicia Smith.

To view the photo gallery, visit michigan. wish.org/walkforwishes.

Khyier, 4, who loves to dress in his Spiderman suit, wished for a Spiderman bedroom makeover.

“Because of his illness, we weren’t able to travel, so this is something he can have for a lifetime,” said his mom, LaWanda.

Jessica wishes for a college scholarship Her big dreams were surrounding her as she put the final touches on her dorm room. It was her space. The place she had dreamt about for years. Her independence had become a reality.

Jessica, 18, had received her wish – a partial college scholarship to Grand Valley State University (GVSU).

“Without this wish, I would not be sitting at my desk at Grand Valley right now. Without this wish I wouldn’t get to experience campus life,” Jessica said.

“I think it is very crucial to get a good education.”

Jessica was a junior in high school when she first got sick. She spent a month in the hospital and began missing a lot of school, including the music classes that are her passion. She started dialysis and received a kidney transplant during her senior year.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” said Jessica, who started playing the flute when she was 10 years old. “As a senior in high school at the time, I had things to see, places to go, stuff to do. I missed out on that entire season of marching band and only went

to one football game that year. It was a rough year for me.”

Throughout high school, Jessica said she knew she eventually wanted a career working with people.

“The time I spent in the hospital with my health problems helped me realize that working in the medical field was my true passion,” she said. “I knew getting a nursing degree wasn’t going to be cheap.”

As college loomed, Jessica recovered from her kidney transplant and began the wish-granting process with Make-AWish Michigan. With dreams to obtain her nursing degree, she decided to wish for a college scholarship.

“Make-A-Wish provided me with an opportunity that would have been unattainable without them,” Jessica said. “I am so unbelievably thankful for the things that they have helped me accomplish thus far.”

GVSU welcomed Jessica to campus with a GVSU and college-themed gift basket.

The Make-A-Wish experience, including her wish-granting volunteers, also left an

Jessica’s wish is helping her further her education.

unforgettable impression on Jessica.

“I would say that the best part of the wish, or even the wish-granting process, was how friendly everyone was,” Jessica said. “Now with my scholarship, I can truly experience all GVSU has to offer, and I would have never been able to do that without (Make-A-Wish).”

Tyren, 3, had wished to be a firefighter for a day, but it became much more than that. With a Dalmatian at his side, Tyren was named fire chief for a day by the Detroit Fire Department. To read Tyren’s full wish story, visit michigan.wish. org/wishes.

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 5

S! JOIN U PLEASE higan ic M t ll - Wes Wish Ba 5 1 20 May 14, Arena VanAndel s, Mich. id p a Grand R

Thank you to our sponsors Wish Ball - West Wish Ball Sponsor

Hope Sponsors

Doug and Maria DeVos Jack H. Miller Greg and Meg Willit

Strength Sponsors

Advanced Radiology Services, PC Andy J. Egan Company Karl and Patricia Betz Mimi Cummings The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation Dr. Jim and Gail Fahner & Steve and Brenda Heacock Grand Valley State University Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co. Bill Humphries and Starr Meijer Huntington Bank Mike and Sue Jandernoa Meijer Mercantile Bank of Michigan Northern Trust Perrigo Roskam Baking Co. Wolverine Worldwide

Wish Ball - Southeast

Wish kid Jack, 5, and his family answer questions about his journey with Wilms’ tumor on stage at Wish Ball - West Michigan in Grand Rapids.

Wish Ball – West raises $300,000 Nearly 500 people raised $300,000 during 2014 Wish Ball, presented by Macy’s, at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids to help support wishes that the organization grants to children with life-threatening medical conditions throughout Michigan.

Meg Miller Willit, a longtime volunteer and supporter of Make-A-Wish Michigan, was honored at the event and also recognized as one of our 2014 Leaders in Joy. "We are delighted to honor Meg for her extraordinary commitment to our mission,” said Karen Davis, Make-AWish Michigan president & CEO. “A

generous donor and caring volunteer, Meg’s unwavering enthusiasm is inspiring and we are so grateful for her support of our wish kids and families.”

The night featured wish child Jack, 5, who was less than 24 hours away from leaving for his wish trip on a Caribbean cruise. As part of his send off, the Grand Valley State University Dance Company started a flash mob to celebrate Jack’s wish. Past wish recipient Doran, now 20, who wished to have an above ground swimming pool in 2005, was also featured and performed an inspiring song he wrote about his journey battling a life-threatening medical condition.

Sponsors

A123 Systems, LLC Beaumont Health System Gordon Chevrolet Henry Ford Health System & Health Alliance Plan i.M. Branded ITC Holdings Corp.

Johnson Controls, Inc. Maxion Wheels MGM Grand Detroit National Home Lending Pro Home Improvement Talmer Bank and Trust Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, NA. Inc. UHY LLP Waltonen Engineering Wheels for Wishes

Wish Ball returns to metro Detroit with granting of Michigan’s 8,000th wish Make-A-Wish® Michigan marked a milestone when it granted its 8,000th wish to a Michigan child since its inception in 1984. Eleven-year-old Emily was presented with the award during the 2014 Wish Ball at the MGM Grand Detroit on Nov. 8, 2014.

Emily wished to be a celebrity and took the spotlight on stage in front of nearly 500 guests to sing the hit single

by American Authors, “Best Day of My Life.” Before leaving the stage, Wish

Ball Emcee and WDIV Local 4 Anchor Devin Scillian asked for a ‘selfie’ and her autograph. She also signed autographs, posed with fans for pictures and was interviewed during dinner by the media.

During the evening, Make-A-Wish Michigan also recognized 30 Leaders in Joy – exceptional supporters who have had a game-changing impact across the decades. The event included a cocktail reception, entertaining live auction and music by Mel Ball and Colours.

Make-A-Wish kid referral Make-A-Wish Michigan relies on supporters to help bring hope, strength and joy to wish kids and their families. If you know a child with a life-threatening medical condition who is in need of our services, please encourage the family, child or healthcare professional to call 800.622.9474.

Best-selling author R.J. Palacio spent the day at wish kid Hailey’s school sharing lessons on kindness and playing foursquare during recess.

Hailey shares wish to meet author with her entire school Inside a classroom door covered in blue paper, Make-A-Wish banners and words that read “Happy Hailey Grace Day,” third graders were busy in the school day when someone knocked on the door.

“Hailey, could you get the door?” asked Ms. Crankshaw.

Hailey, in a blue-and-white striped summer dress, swung open the door. Her face revealed the surprise as the New York Times best-selling author peeked around the door, smiling at her. Before words were spoken, the two embraced, burying their heads in each other’s necks, as if they were long-lost friends.

“Are you going to show me your school?” asked Palacio, her arms locked around Hailey’s waist.

“Of course!” responded Hailey as she skipped into the hallway, leading Palacio.

Hailey, who was born with a lifethreatening malformation and has

undergone facial surgeries that have left scars, wished for R.J. Palacio, author of the best-selling children’s book “Wonder,” to visit her school to talk about kindness.

Hailey explained every inch of the 1925 brick school building to Palacio. The two ducked into classrooms, waving and introducing the famous author to a few classes. Palacio studied the welcome and Wonder-themed posters that lined the halls. Hailey pointed out hers and the two bent their heads together to review it.

After introducing Palacio to her school, Hailey helped her class lead a “Kindness and Caring” assembly for Kindergarten, first and second grade students. Then, Hailey and her family joined Palacio for a private lunch of Hailey’s choice, Buffalo Wild Wings and a pink cake. The group headed back to the auditorium where Hailey again took the stage for an assembly for third, fourth and fifth grade students.

“When Hailey had the microphone

in hand, she was basically leading us all,” Palacio said. “It’s been incredibly moving for me.”

A small crowd lined a table where Hailey and Palacio began signing Palacio’s book. Soon the students rushed out to recess. Hailey led Palacio to the school yard, where a group of her classmates and Palacio played foursquare.

“I have never played foursquare before, so that was fun,” Palacio said.

Afterward, Palacio spent time in Hailey’s classroom then with other students in the auditorium for a Wonder-filled activity before Hailey escorted Palacio to her car.

“I was humbled that anyone would want to meet me. It’s been one of the most amazing experiences in my life, Palacio said. “Hailey is so powerful in presence.”

To read the full story, visit michigan.wish. org/wishes.

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 7

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 9

Seeking wish interview translators Are you bilingual or multilingual?

Make-A-Wish Michigan is actively recruiting enthusiastic translators to assist in wish interviews, specifically Arabic and Spanish speaking translators.

Translators will assist wish-granting volunteers, who serve as an integral part of the wish process by meeting with wish kids and families to capture the child’s heartfelt wish and helping make it come true.

Upcoming Wish Granting Training Dates Livonia January 24 March 21 May 16 August 8

Grand Rapids February 7 April 18 June 27

For more volunteer information, visit michigan.wish.org/volunteer.

Questions? Please contact volunteer@michigan.wish.org or call 800.622.9474.

Wish mom and wish-granting volunteer Timerra with her daughter, wish kid Shantelle, volunteers for Make-A-Wish Michigan.

Wish mom grants wishes in many ways In February 2006, Timerra Brooks watched her daughter Shantalle’s smile brighten during her wish trip to Walt Disney World® Resort.

“The smile it brought to my child, I wanted to give back in any way possible,” Timerra said.

As a single mother, Timerra also wanted to set a good example for her daughter, now 14, who was born with a congenital heart defect.

“I have set some personal goals in my life to be an example to her and others who may have given us hope,” said Timerra, who is currently attending Eastern Michigan University. “I make it my personal goal to make everyone I come across know they are just as special as the next.”

In 2013, Timerra attended a Make-AWish Michigan volunteer orientation, as well as a wish-granting training.

She has helped grant seven wishes, answered phone calls during a Make-AWish Michigan and WDIV Channel 4 Wishes in Flight® Telethon, served as an office volunteer, sold Wish Upon A Car 2014 Corvette raffle tickets at the Dream Cruise, cheered on runners at the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon and helped in many other ways.

“I wanted to do it all,” Timerra said of her willingness to sign up for volunteer needs. “I continue to volunteer because it makes me feel like I am giving a smile in every dimly lit day that they never have to feel again. I feel like I have been in their shoes at one point in my life.”

Adopt-A-Wish: BorgWarner, Inc. donates $10,000 Earlier this year, BorgWarner, Inc. hosted a celebration lunch for their employees for reaching one million man hours without a recordable injury. The company voted on where they would like to donate their $10,000 safety award, and they picked Make-A-Wish Michigan.

solutions, has been a tremendous supporter of the Make-A-Wish mission.

The company has donated more than $160,000 to Make-A-Wish Michigan and most recently adopted Kendall’s wish to meet Minnie Mouse and her friends at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Since 1999, BorgWarner, a global technology leader in powertrain

“Kendall absolutely loves Mickey Mouse … for us to be able to go to Disney to

see Mickey in person made Kendall so, so happy,” said Kendall’s mom, Cewanda. “I’ve never seen my daughter so happy.”

In addition to adopting a variety of fantastic wishes, they have also hosted a giving tree at the holidays and encourage employees to donate toys to support our Bag of Dreams program.

Jaida, 4, wished for a shopping adventure for toys, clothes, boots, socks and an iPad. To read Jaida’s full story, visit michigan.wish. org/wishes.

Grand Valley students roast president to grant wishes Hospitality and Tourism KIDS FOR Management students at Grand Valley State University decided to get creative and crack a few jokes to raise money to help grant the wishes of Michigan kids with life-threatening medical conditions. The students hosted a Comedy Roast featuring the president of the college, President Tom Haas, which raised more than $800 to help grant wishes.

“GVSU’s partnership with Make-A-Wish® Michigan is a perfect education model where students learn while making a contribution to the Grand Rapids area,” said Patty Janes. Ph.D., who leads the student program. “Students learn so much more than event skills when partnering with an organization that has core to its mission the service and care of those they serve… It’s been an

Mitchell underwent Jedi training during his wish trip.

Grand Valley State University students host a Comedy Roast to raise money for Make-A-Wish Michigan.

absolute joy to work with the Make-AWish Michigan team.”

GVSU Hospitality and Tourism Management students have raised more than $5,000 since beginning a partnership almost two years ago.

GVSU students took part in Make-A-Wish Michigan’s Wishmakers on Campus® program, which is designed for college students in Greek, honor, professional or social organizations to help grant wishes. The program empowers

students to be actively involved in helping grant wishes to Michigan kids, provides partnership opportunities between students and the community and helps create school spirit. For more information, visit michigan.wish.org/ ways-to-help.

Make-A-Wish Michigan also offers the Kids For Wish Kids® program for schoolaged kids. Visit michigan.wish.org/ ways-to-help for more information or a fundraising toolkit and form.

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 11

© 2014 Andrew Knapik Photography

Riders participated in the three-day, 300-mile Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour, the largest outdoor Make-A-Wish fundraiser in the country.

27th Annual Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour Nearly 1,100 cyclists raised more than $2,070,000 to grant wishes for Michigan kids during the 27th Annual Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour (WAM) July 24 – 27, 2014.

Special thanks to our WAM Elite Riders Fred Farrand Donetta Behen Rob Grainger Mark Cohn Robert Casalou David Schwartz Robert Sklar Eric Metzendorf Denise Starr John Williams Harry Miller William Holmes Stephanie Goetz Scott Lewis Dave Karnes Steve Perna Paul Costanza Miguel Vargas Jeff DuComb William Graham David Mitchell

roughly 200 riders started and finished at MIS on July 27.

WAM 300 riders traveled 300 miles across Michigan in three days – from Traverse City to the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. – as part of Make-A-Wish Michigan’s largest fundraiser.

During the tour, riders stopped overnight at DeWitt High School in DeWitt, Mich. for the WAMmys award show where more than 30 wish kids and families took the stage to represent the 4,000 Disney wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Michigan in three decades. The event honored Make-A-Wish Michigan’s 30th Birthday.

The WAM 300 coincided with the WAM 50, a one-day, 50-mile ride where

After the show, everyone piled outside to cheer and give high fives to Quinten, 7,

Wish kids, like Zachary, awarded medals to riders after they crossed the finish line.

2014

Thank you to our sponsors Lead Sponsor

Gold Sponsors Wish kid Quinten is greeted by WAM rider Harry Miller as he leaves the WAMmy’s award show to go on his wish trip to Walt Disney World® Resort the next day.

raises more than $2 million for wishes and his family as they climbed in a limo and left for Quinten’s wish trip to Walt Disney World® Resort.

“The trip meant a lot to our family. It is definitely a unique experience,” said Quinten’s family. “We really just had an all-around amazing time and we couldn’t be more thankful to Make-A-Wish Michigan for making it possible.”

WAM, sponsored by EATON Corporation, concluded at MIS during Heroes Hurrah, an emotional and heartwarming celebration at the MIS finish

line. Nearly 60 wish heroes, who are wish kids who have served as inspiration for riders and volunteers during their WAM journey, awarded medals to cyclists and participants in the winner’s circle.

“We were amazed at how much love was shown to all the wish heroes and their families. We appreciate Make-A-Wish, WAM riders and everyone involved with making this such an amazing event,” said wish hero Juan’s family. “The weekend filled him with so much joy … the best feeling ever ... Thank you for this honor.”

WAM rides again July 23 - 26, 2015 Join Make-A-Wish Michigan for the 28th Annual Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour (WAM) July 23-26, 2015, and cycle through the beautiful state of Michigan while helping grant the wishes of children!

WAM offers a three-day, 300-mile ride and a one-day, 50-mile ride that features: • Fully supported tour, including meals • Break stops throughout

• Massage therapists • Participant jersey, T-shirt and medal • Heroes Hurrah finish line celebration

Bronze Sponsors AVIS Corrigan Moving Systems Dean Trailways Emrick Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Michigan International Speedway Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Heroes Hurrah

WAM 50

Breakstop Sponsors Edward Jones - Jeff Crause PepsiCo Medical Sponsor American Red Cross

WAM includes various opportunities to support Make-A-Wish Michigan, such as event sponsorship, participating as a rider, volunteering or making a donation. For more information, visit wishamile.org or call 800.622.9474.

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 13

Supporter makes first donation in chapter’s first year, continues to support across the decades In 1984, Joe Moore was involved with a car club when he was asked to help ignite the wish-granting movement in Michigan.

Moore made his first donation to Make-A-Wish® Michigan during its first year as a chapter.

Five years later, Moore hosted a local car show and decided to donate the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Michigan. Today, more than 30 years later, Moore’s show, the Crump Days Car Show, has grown with car enthusiasts and event-goers, and he’s continued to support Make-A-Wish Michigan and has averaged about $5,000 each year.

“It went from small shows of 20 or 30 cars to this year’s record of 140 cars,” said Moore’s son, Richard. “Unknown to him when he started (the Crump Days Car Show), his granddaughter, Leanne, would get her Make-A-Wish trip to Disney in 2009.”

Richard’s daughter left a legacy that has served as inspiration for the family and Moore to continue to support Make-A-Wish

The Crump Days Car Show has been raising funds to make wishes come true for several decades.

Michigan by hosting various car shows.

Help share the power of a wish® by organizing an event for Make-A-Wish Michigan. To learn more, visit michigan.wish.org/ ways-to-help or call our office at 800.622.WISH.

David, 4, who has a congential cardiac condition, wished to go to Walt Disney World® Resort. He mingled with his favorite characters, ate ice cream every day and splashed in the water park.

Yet, it was a ride on the carousal during his wish trip to Disney that made an impression.

“His eyes glowed and sparkled at every turn on the carousel. Thank you Make-A-Wish Michigan,” said David’s mom, Dana. “We had an amazing time, words cannot explain how much our hearts are filled with so many memories!”

Victoria meets her fairytale princess As Princess Tiana entered the room, 3-yearold Victoria stretched open her arms.

Since the first time she watched The “Princess and the Frog,” Victoria had idolized the princess and this was the day that Victoria would meet her. Victoria typically prefers purple and pink, but this day she wore a green crown to match Princess Tiana’s.

“I will never forget when Victoria met Princess Tiana,” said Victoria’s mom, Kristen. “I’ve never seen her so excited.

There is so much I will always remember.”

Victoria was diagnosed with a lifethreatening cardiac condition while in utero. She’s had numerous surgeries, including open heart surgeries, and many pokes and procedures. Kristen said Victoria has spent “weeks and weeks” in the hospital away from her dad and sister.

“At birth, many other internal defects were found and it changed our lives forever,”

Kristen said. “Even though she looks perfectly healthy, we know we have to be watchful and vigilant for her.”

The trip to the popular theme park meant a great deal to Victoria’s family.

“It was not something we could have done on our own,” Kristen said. “(As a parent), it truly meant the world … we are so grateful.”

For Victoria, a happy girl who loves to dance and listen to her sister read, the trip provided time away from the hospital and time with her family.

“Make-A-Wish changes families’ lives.

They allow families to have some time to forget that they have a sick child and just enjoy themselves,” Kristen said. “The same goes for the child themselves. They really do give families hope through the (wish) experience. If this wish can happen, anything can happen.”

Victoria, 3, wished to meet Princess Tiana at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Emily’s celebrity wish (cont’d) The famous Emily then returned to school for a rally where the Royal Oak Mayor declared it “Emily’s Day.” Cheerleaders shouted an ‘Emily cheer’ and classmates fought for her autograph. She again escaped in her limo and was on her way to a shopping trip.

Emily sightings took over social media, and a massive swarm of fans screeched as her limo and security approached the mall entrance. She signed autographs with poise, slipped through the crowd and spent the evening with a personal shopper at Macy’s to find the perfect ball gown for her performance debut at Wish Ball.

As she arrived to the MGM Grand Detroit on the day of her big performance, Emily was once again swarmed with fans and paparazzi. As any big celebrity does, she checked her hair and make-up, then grinned as the limo door opened and she stepped out. She posed with fans during a VIP autograph session and opened fan mail in her room as she awaited her

celebrity appearance. Then, she made her grand entrance to perform at Wish Ball – and became the 8,000th wish granted to a Michigan child by Make-A-Wish Michigan.

“It was more than I could ever wish for,” Emily said of why she wanted to be famous. “I want to be a singer and help people feel better through my music.”

Wish kid Emily takes a selfie with Detroit Pride cheerleaders at Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan.

Left: Emily sings “Best Day of My Life”.

Winter 2014 • With Our Best Wishes 15

Upcoming Events April 29, 2015 World Wish Day® May 2, 2015 Walk For Wishes® Southeast Detroit Zoo Royal Oak

Headquarters 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 Brighton, MI 48114 800.622.9474 michigan.wish.org

May 14, 2015 Wish Ball - West Michigan Van Andel Arena Grand Rapids July 23 - July 26, 2015 Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour September 2015 Walk For Wishes® - West John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids November 2015 Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan Detroit Visit michigan.wish.org/events for more details on other events.

Make-A-Wish Michigan grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Southeast Michigan • May 2, 2015 • Detroit Zoo

REGISTRATION OPENS JAN. 1, 2015 michigan.wish.org