I wish to have a western-themed birthday party Khayden, 4 gastrointestinal disorder
Because of you, we were able to grant incredible wishes for children fighting critical illnesses across the state of Nevada. Yes, this was officially our first fiscal year reuniting the state, and while we granted 168 wishes, we’re not stopping until we find and fund every eligible child in Nevada’s heartfelt wish. With your continued support, I know we’ll reach our goals year after year.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, community-minded businesses and individuals, our mission is thriving across the state of Nevada and we’re grateful.
While we’d love to be put out of business, because kids are healthy and don’t need the prescription of hope only Make-A-Wish can provide, we currently have 260 kiddos with critical illnesses working with our team to ensure their wish gets granted when they need hope most.
Because of you, we’ve been able to ensure no child in Nevada waits one day longer than necessary to experience the full benefits from getting their wish granted.
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
As we look back, each wish we granted brought happiness to Wish Kids and their families but also the community partners and individuals who were involved. You’ll see a few of those wishes in greater detail in this book. I know they’ll be as life-changing for you as they are for our team, our Board of Directors, and YOU, our incredible support network.
As President and CEO, I’m humbled by the continued support you provide but also grateful I’ve had an opportunity to meet with so many of you this past year and hear YOUR stories. As we look ahead at the coming year, I’m grateful you’re with us and ask you to let others know why and how you support us, to hopefully get us closer to my dream, one degree of separation in our state. You see, I have this idea that if everyone in the state had experienced a wish by attending a wish reveal and knew a wish family, or came to one of our events, the community would help us find and fund every eligible child’s wish. We would be one degree of separation from everyone in the state. #LifeGoals
Again, please enjoy this book, and see what we did together this past year. We did so much more than grant 168 wishes for critical illnesses here in Nevada this year, we continued to replace fear with hope and darkness into the light a wish provides…because of you…
Wishfully Yours,
Scott Rosenzweig President & CEO
Together, We Made Magic Happen
Your support helped Make-A-Wish® Nevada grant 168 wishes last year. Each one was a testament to the compassion and generosity of our donor family. The highlights from our signature events remind us just how powerful we are when we come together.
Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity fuels every wish and inspires us as we enter a new year filled with possibility. Together, let’s continue transforming lives and making even more wishes come true in the year ahead.
EVENING OF GRATITUDE
Make-A-Wish® Nevada hosted its annual Evening of Gratitude in the fall of 2025, celebrating the generous supporters who make it possible to bring hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. The heartwarming event highlighted the power of community and the incredible impact of wish-granting across the state.
This year, three exceptional honorees were recognized for their meaningful contributions. Centennial Toyota was named Corporate Partner of the Year for their steadfast commitment to supporting wish kids and strengthening Make-A-Wish Nevada’s mission. Kelley Nemiro was honored as Philanthropist of the Year for her leadership in launching Starry Night, a casino-themed fundraiser that has quickly become a beloved celebration of generosity and community spirit. The Legacy Award was presented to Victoria Otter in recognition of the lasting impact she has made through her long-time dedication and support. The 2025 Evening of Gratitude served as a touching reminder that when a community comes together, moments of hope, strength, and joy become possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Values & Impact
We grant life-changing wishes that help children heal through happiness. We believe wishes improve the odds for wish kids fighting critical illnesses. It’s why we do what we do. Sure, wishes are amazing and fun. More than that, they inspire and have the power to change lives. Wishes help kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety, and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life, giving them a better chance of recovering.
We engage our entire community in the wish process, spreading happiness throughout Nevada.
A wish engages entire communities in life-changing moments. It inspires supporters, volunteers, medical professionals, and others to join us in helping children with critical illnesses. We strive to create stories that show them how they connect to these moments – and how these moments enrich their lives.
THE IMPACT OF A WISH
89% of health care professionals surveyed say they believe that the wish experience can influence wish kids’ physical health.
81% of parents observe an increased willingness by their wish kids to comply with treatment protocols.
96% of parents said that the wish strengthen their families.
74% of wish parents observed that the wish marked a turning point in their children’s response to treatment.
99% of parents reported that the wish experience gave their children increased feelings of happiness.
97% of wish families observe increases in their wish kids’ emotional health.
I wish to have a princess birthday bash
Jania, 4 gastrointestinal disorder
MEET JANIA
Four-year-old Jania, despite facing medical challenges, is known for her fiery and spirited personality. Her mom shares that while frequent hospital visits can be tough, Jania still finds joy in typical four-year-old activities like meeting new friends, reading, riding her scooter, collecting LOL Dolls, playing Barbies, and watching Peppa Pig on repeat.
Jania’s past birthdays were spent in the hospital, preventing her from truly celebrating. This inspired her wish for a grand princess birthday bash, a day where she could just be a kid without restrictions. And when her wish came true, it was everything she had wished for! Jania loved every moment of her special day, where she got to be a princess with a tiara on her head and joy in her heart. The celebration featured a reallife princess, face painting, and
an amazing balloon artist. Jania was surrounded by friends and family, dancing and laughing without a care in the world. Thanks to Raisin’ Canes, there was plenty of delicious food at a generous deal, and Freed’s Bakery donated a stunning cake fit for royalty. This wish day was a celebration of Jania’s resilience and lively spirit—a reminder of the happiness that dreams bring to life. Here’s to more days of play, laughter, and love, Princess Jania!
Scan to Watch Jania’s Wish Reveal
I wish to have a rock crawler
Henick, 13 blood disorder
MEET HENICK
17-year-old Henick, who lives with a rare blood disorder, is known for his outgoing spirit and love for the outdoors. Since his diagnosis in 2020, he has faced many challenges with strength and positivity. Thanks to his monthly infusions, Henick’s condition is now stable, and he continues to embrace life with resilience and an adventurous heart.
When Henick was asked what his one true wish would be, he didn’t hesitate, he wished for a rock crawler. To him, it wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to explore the wild terrain he loves so much. Recently, Henick and a group of his friends drove nearly five hours from Austin, Nevada to Las Vegas to pick up his dream rock crawler. As soon as he saw it, he was beaming. He immediately took it for a spin in the Nellis Sand
Dunes, kicking off his wish with excitement and grit. Henick was welcomed by the Make-A-Wish staff and members of the Nye County Sheriff’s Department, who presented him with a badge and a commemorative coin—something Henick proudly collects. His mom was deeply grateful, sharing how perfect this wish was for her son, who finds joy, healing, and peace in the great outdoors.
Henick’s journey continues—this time, off-road.
Scan to Watch Henick’s Wish Reveal
I wish to go to F1 Las Vegas
Gabrielle, 17 lymphoma
MEET GABRIELLE
Sixteen-year-old Gabby, a courageous lymphoma survivor, saw her biggest wish come true thanks to Make-A-Wish Nevada and the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix team. Gabby, a devoted Formula 1 fan, first found comfort in the sport during her toughest hospital stays. Her favorite driver, Charles Leclerc, became a source of inspiration, and her love for racing only grew as she entered remission.
The excitement began with a wish reveal, where Make-A-Wish Nevada staff and board members along with the team from F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix team surprised Gabby with F1 tickets and a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities. But the surprises didn’t stop there! Race weekend arrived and Gabby got to meet Charles Leclerc himself, who personally guided her through the Ferrari garage, let her hold a steering console, and shared stories about racing.
Throughout the weekend, Gabby enjoyed incredible experiences, from meeting F1 stars like Sainz, Gasly, and Perez at the
Ferrari Fans Forum, to watching the thrilling race live from the paddock. Gabby was overjoyed to see her favorite Ferrari team secure a podium spot.
Her mom expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Wow—what a weekend! Gabby is floating after her wish came true and more. We will treasure these memories forever.”
Gabby’s wish journey is a celebration of her resilience, love for racing, and the joy that hope brings. For Gabby, it wasn’t just a race weekend—it was a lifechanging moment she’ll cherish forever.
Scan to Watch Gabrielle’s Wish Reveal
I wish to have a western-themed birthday party
Khayden, 4 gastrointestinal disorder
MEET KHAYDEN
Four-year-old Khayden has always been fascinated by cowboys, lassos, wagons, and the movie Toy Story. Described as a curious, bubbly, and rambunctious kid by his mom, Khayden communicates nonverbally using head shakes and an Alert Device. He loves to scoot himself along the floor, especially when one of his favorite songs, “Wheels on the Bus,” or his favorite YouTuber, Miss Rachel, comes on. He loves playing with other children, listening to music, and painting.
Diagnosed at birth with a genetic disorder, Khayden, who prefers to be called “KK”, has endured a bumpy road of medical treatments and surgeries. At such a young age, KK has undergone ear tube, eyelid, and cardiac surgeries, in addition to a cleft pallet surgery scheduled for the near future. He also has a g-tube and a nerve conductor device. Despite all these challenges, he is a “happy little guy.”
Khayden has wished to have a western-themed birthday
party for his wish! This party would be his very first birthday celebration totally dedicated to all of the things he loves. Cowboy and cowgirl attire are a must, along with decorations, a birthday cake featuring Woody from Toy Story, and westernthemed games to play with his friends. This day is sure to be life-changing for sweet Khayden as he becomes immersed in this unique experience just for him. It will truly be a day that will bring a smile to his face!
Scan to Watch Khayden’s Wish Reveal
I wish to go to go on the Icon of the Seas ship
Quintin, 20 lymphoma
MEET QUINTIN
Quintin, a lively 19-year-old, faces life with a smile despite the chaos and overwhelm of his battle with lymphoma. Diagnosed in July 2022, his journey has been tumultuous, marked by rounds of chemotherapy that left him feeling sick and drained. Despite the challenges, he remains resilient, not requiring nursing, palliative, or hospice care. His wish became a reality when he set sail on the Icon of the Seas cruise. After months of anticipation, he and his family boarded the magnificent Royal Caribbean vessel, leaving behind the difficult days of chemotherapy and uncertainty.
Quintin embraced every moment. Evenings were filled with live music and entertainment, where he swayed to the ocean’s rhythm, momentarily forgetting the hardships he had faced. Watching the mesmerizing sunsets over the horizon became a cherished part of his journey.
The cruise also brought something even more precious-
uninterrupted family time. Without hospital visits or treatments, they laughed, explored, and created memories. From discovering new ports to watching dazzling performances, every experience felt like a gift that lifted his spirits. The moments of joy and relaxation strengthened their bond, making the trip even more special.
