Scott Rosenzweig President & CEO scottr@nv.wish.org

Victor Senior Director of Development
Director of Individual Giving
Scott Rosenzweig President & CEO scottr@nv.wish.org
Victor Senior Director of Development
Director of Individual Giving
Welcome to our Make-A-Wish Nevada Case for Support for our fiscal year, 2026. A reminder that our fiscal year is from September 1st to August 31st each year. We work tirelessly to be the prescription for hope for wish kids and their families going through the unimaginable. While we would welcome the day that we must go out of business due to children no longer suffering from lifethreatening illnesses, that day has yet to come.
This past fiscal year, thanks to the support of our community, we’ve granted 166 wishes for children here in Nevada fighting critical illnesses as well as helping plan 80 wishes for kids from across the world, who choose Nevada for their wish experience destination. We strive to ensure wishes bring light for our extraordinary Wish Kids and their families when they need it most, during some of their darkest days.
Kids like Jai’anie, who wanted a stair lift or Gabrille who wished and received an incredible F1 experience this past year. Our volunteers and staff work hard to ensure we get to know the child first and then work with them to find their voice and ultimately make their choice about what their wish will be. For a wish is a child’s alone and when we work with them, invest in their vision, we can create lifechanging wishes, like Gabrielle’s. It also helps when we have partners like F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix to help us.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll never stop saying it: we are able to make these wishes come true because of you. I am so grateful for all the ways that this community continually shows up for our wish kids. Thank you for working with us to find innovative and engaging ways to support our wish kids and families.
This year, we’re looking to increase public support and funding for our mission. This Case for Support will help you to learn all the ways you can help to support our mission for the entire year.
Hope begins with us. Thank you for all we’ve done together and for understanding we’re not through with our work. Every thirty minutes, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness; let’s make sure they all get their heartfelt wish and the hope it brings as soon as they need it.
Wishfully yours,
Special Recognition to our Board of Directors
Executive Committee
David Navarro, Chair
Jeanette Schneider, Vice Chair
Samer Jawhari, Treasurer
Steve Schauer, Secretary
Keith Hansen, Past Chair
Jodie Sacco, Past Secretary
Travis Scribner, Member
Board Members
Christopher Abraham
Melissa Akkaway
Lou (Luis) Borrego
Kristine Creel
Dr. Joseph Lasky
Dr. Shannon Michelson
Laura Overton
Joel Tasca
Dr. Anita Pomerantz
Jennifer Vitale
Chief Mike Gennaro – LVMPD
Art Zargaryan
Contact Details
Make-A-Wish Nevada 9950 Covington Cross Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144
Phone: 702-212-9474
wish.org/nv
Follow Us! @makeawishnevada
Scott Rosenzweig President & CEO
WHEN
A CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH A CRITICAL ILLNESS, ONLY ONE THING IS SURE: LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
Hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and treatments disrupt all that feels ‘normal’—for the child and for loved ones. Families’ resilience and resources are stretched for years.
This year we will grant approximately 168 wishes for Nevada kids with an average cost of $10,000-$12,500 per wish.
To reach our ultimate goal of granting every eligible Child’s wish, we need to build financial sustainability to ensure we fulfill our mission each year without worry or delay. Our chapter receives only private financial support and no government funding as we continually work to ensure we are meeting the demands of a growing population.
Please consider giving a gift in support of our mission to reach every eligible child in Nevada. With your help, we can prepare now to make the stars align for wish kids who need it most. Your support will ensure that every child who has waited for a wish since this health crisis hit, receives their wish as soon as possible. Together, we can shine a light of hope and joy to children in their darkest days, bringing them strength for tomorrow.
I wish to have acting lessons
Jayden, 10 blood disorder
I wish to have a princess birthday bash
4
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 real-life 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!
• Wishes often represent pivotal moments in Children’s lives, a time that reminds them of what they are fighting for. Our latest medical research shows that a wish can give a child the resilience he or she needs to flight a critical illness.
• A wish brings healing beyond medicine. As doctors work to diagnose and treat critical illnesses, many include a wish as part of the child’s medical treatment plan. They believe that wishes and the entire wish process have a powerful and essential effect on the well-being and health outcomes of their patients.
• It is for these very reasons that your generous support of Make-A-Wish Nevada is crucial to our mission of granting life-changing wishes for thousands of children.
I wish to go to Hawaii
Aspen, 13 cystic fibrosis
Every wish experience begins with a referral. We rely on wish referrals from medical professionals, parents, legal guardians, and family members with detailed knowledge of the child’s current medical condition. A child qualifies for a wish if they have a critical illness, are older than 2½ years and younger than 18, and have not received a wish from Make-A-Wish or any other wish granting organization.
After a child is referred, Make-A-Wish’s National Medical Affairs Team will determine the child’s eligibility for a wish, i.e. suffering from a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition, which places the child’s life in jeopardy.
Once the child is deemed eligible for a wish, a Make-A-Wish volunteer calls the family to share the exciting news. During this time, our volunteers share the wish process and collect valuable information about the wish child, their medical journey, and other important details.
Wish discovery volunteers help wish kids determine their heartfelt wishes. This is one of the most emotionally demanding volunteer positions at Make-A-Wish, but also the most rewarding. Wish discovery volunteers work in pairs, and the majority of the wish discovery visits are conducted at The Wishing Place. Volunteers and staff work together to ensure the child’s heartfelt wish is determined.
All wishes must be approved by staff, management, and sometimes the board of directors. There are several types of wishes Make-A-Wish cannot grant; for example, bounce houses, in-ground pools, cash, medical treatment, to name a few. The team also takes into consideration the family’s ability to sustain a wish long after it is granted.
Our wish coordinators work directly with the wish family to plan all the details of the wish. In some cases, we seek volunteer support from wish experts. Wish experts are people and companies who can bring expertise about the wish to the planning process.
Wishes are as unique as the child making the request, but typically fall within four categories.
In FY25, our breakdown of wishes is as follows:
Wish designers work with a wish coordinator on staff to plan, create, and host Wish Reveals. Wish designers may also assist staff with local wishes such as shopping sprees, room makeovers, etc.
The child’s imagination is always the driving force in determining, designing, and coordinating a life-changing wish experience. While most wish requests fall into five major categories, the possibilities are endless because kids are so creative and inspired by the chance to have a wish come true. The five wish categories are: I wish to go, I wish to be, I wish to meet, I wish to have, and I wish to give. Our team strives to personalize each wish and make it match the wish kid’s idea of a perfect experience. The impact of a wish is powerful and long-lasting.
The power that makes these cogs turn to grant wishes is provided by our active volunteers. Volunteers are utilized in each step of the wish process.
(Ex: I wish to have a backyard playground, Lucas, 7, cancer)
(Ex: I wish to be a YouTuber, Savannah, 8, cystic fibrosis)
(Ex: I wish to give toys to other kids, Dominic, 4, leukemia) I Wish to Have 21%
(Ex: I wish to go to the San Diego Zoo, Sergey 6, congenital heart disease)
(Ex: I wish to meet Minnie Mouse (virtually), Gloria, 5, leukemia)
When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope!
8 out of 10 wish kids report their wish gave them the strength to fight their critical illness.
8 out of 10 wish parents say a child’s wish experience serves as a coping mechanism during treatment.
8 out of 10 medical providers report a wish is a necessary part of a child’s treatment journey.
7 out of 10 wish kids report their wish improved their odds and gave them a better chance of surviving.
9 out of 10 wish kids report they felt more joyful, confident and hopeful for their future.
8 out of 10 wish parents saw the wish experience give their child a stronger sense of empowerment.
9 out of 10 medical providers say a wish increases compliance with treatment.
9 out of 10
wish parents report their child’s wish experience strengthened their relationship with their loved ones.
Our Mission is to grant life-changing wishes to children battling critical illness. With the Vision to be able to grant every eligible child’s wish.
Emotional & Mental Well-Being
8 out of 10 wish kids report their wish experience helped them overcome hopelessness, depression and loneliness.
9 out of 10 wish parents saw their child’s emotional well-being improve with a wish. 100% of medical providers report the wish experience improves a child’s – and their own – emotional well-being.
9 out of 10 medical providers observe the wish experience has a positive impact on a child’s physical well-being and overall quality of life.
Source: 2022 Make-A-Wish America Wish Impact Study
In a significant and heartfelt milestone, the fall of 2024, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and the Northern Nevada region of Make-A-Wish officially joined forces as one unified chapter-Make-A-Wish Nevada. By coming together, we are amplifying the power of a wish across the entire state, ensuring that every eligible child can experience the life-changing magic a wish brings, no matter where they live.
With this unification, our chapter will be able to expand resources, streamline operations, and build an even stronger community of support for Nevada’s wish kids and families. From rural towns to city centers, we are committed to reaching more children than ever before, delivering renewed hope and joy to those who need it most. Thank you for making these wishes possible as we enter a new era, united as Make-A-Wish Nevada.
17 COUNTIES SERVED
I wish to be a pilot Ben, 13 lymphoma
A WISH IS PRESCRIBED HOPE, AND NOW MORE THAN EVER, THAT HOPE IS ESSENTIAL.
Make a bigger impact for wish kids by becoming a monthly donor.
When you donate, you’re giving children renewed strength to fight their illnesses, bringing families closer together and uniting entire communities. Our Monthly Wishmaker® Club allows members to provide consistent support for wish kids in Nevada every month of the year. It’s the easiest, most convenient way to help grant wishes and, as a Wishmaker, you directly support a child’s life-changing wish experience!
“You can help us get closer to our vision of one day granting every eligible child’s wish.”
I wish to have a quinceañera Jasilynn, 15 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
Makenna, 10 cancer
The Adopt-A-Wish® program is a powerful way to make an immediate, life-changing impact on a child battling a critical illness. By funding the cost of a wish, you provide hope, strength, and joy when it’s needed most. Wishes do more than bring happiness for a moment—they create lasting memories, inspire resilience, and unite communities in support of a child’s journey.
Each Adopt-A-Wish is a minimum commitment of $10,000. WITH YOUR GIFT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING:
• Host a Wish Reveal – Experience the unforgettable moment when a child learns their greatest wish is coming true.
• Meet the Wish Child & Family – Personally connect with the child and their parents to hear firsthand about their journey and the joy their wish brings.
• Be Part of a Mission Moment – The impact of a wish is something that can only be felt, not just explained. Through this program, you’ll witness the power of hope in action.
Your investment will help turn wishes in waiting into wishes granted, bringing us closer to our goal of ensuring every eligible child receives a wish. By adopting a wish, you don’t just grant a wish—you become part of the Make-A-Wish® mission, creating moments of pure joy that ripple far beyond one child and one family.
W I S H G R A N T E D , 2 0 2 5
Conner doesn’t know what a typical 4-year-old’s day looks like. Diagnosed in utero with a severe respiratory disorder, he’s endured countless surgeries, including three open-heart procedures and ongoing lung treatments A ventilator helps him breathe, and a trach impacts his ability to speak but Conner’s spirit shines bright
This funny, creative boy loves Toy Story, cars, coloring, and helping in the kitchen. When he shared his wish for a playhouse his very own “Baby Man Cave” it was clear how much he craved a space to play freely and safely. On a sunny day in May, after returning home from medical treatment, Conner was surprised by the Make-A-Wish Nevada team, Martin-Harris Construction, and community supporters with a fully loaded playhouse in his own backyard.
Though usually shy, Conner lit up with smiles and excitement as he explored the playhouse with his twin brother by his side He turned to his mom and said, “This is the best party ever ” Now, thanks to the generosity of Martin-Harris Construction, Conner will enjoy endless hours of playtime, laughter, and imagination with his family and friends right in his own backyard. His wish is more than a playhouse it’s a place to just be a kid.
Become a member of our Star Society!
Join an exclusive community of like-minded donors committed to making sure no child has to wait one more unnecessary day for a wish to come true.
Membership in the star society requires donors to give at one of the levels below. In return, Star Society members receive exclusive recognition, benefits, and access to our mission throughout the year.
Lunch/Dinner with CEO and Wish Family
Invitation for two guests to a Make-A-Wish Signature Event
Name recognition at The Wishing Place
Make-A-Wish “Because of You, Wishes Came True” Annual Book
Invitations to Wish Reveals
Annual Report Recognition
Invite to the Annual Evening of Gratitude
Receive wish updates of the many wishes that you help support
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MAKE-A-WISH ® IS DRIVEN BY YOUR UNIQUE “WHY.”
There may be a deeply personal reason you care so much about the children and families we serve, a story that compels you to help us turn their wishes into a reality.
For many, the largest gift of a lifetime may come though their estate plan. No decision is more personal than the disposition of your estate.
A will or living trust can help you provide for loved ones, and it also allows you to express your charitable intentions. Naming Make-A-Wish Nevada as a beneficiary through a bequest in your will can be easy, flexible and may benefit your heirs through tax savings. A bequest may take the form of cash, securities including retirement plans, real estate, life insurance and other forms. Through a charitable bequest in your will or living trust, you can ensure that wishes come true for children with critical illnesses.
Life Insurance and Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations
Naming Make-A-Wish Nevada as a beneficiary of a qualified retirement asset or insurance policy is one of the easiest ways to leave a significant gift that can benefit wish kids as well as your heirs. Simply list Make-A-Wish Nevada among your beneficiaries on the forms provided by your program administrator. You can name us for the full value of the asset, a specific percentage or dollar amount or even as a contingent beneficiary. Qualified assets include life insurance policies, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k), 403(b), KEOGH plans and commercial annuities.
I give the sum of $______ or ______% to Make-A-Wish Nevada, 9950 Covington Cross Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89144 · Tax ID 88-0371088, to be used or disposed of as its Board of Directors deems appropriate in its sole discretion.
I wish to be a professional skateboarder Angel, 6 vascular disorder
A charitable gift annuity is a simple contractual agreement between you and Make-A-Wish Nevada. In exchange for a gift of cash or readily marketable securities, Make-A-Wish Nevada agrees to pay you and/or your loved ones fixed payments for life. The payout rate depends on the number of recipients, their ages and the current rates in effect when the gift is made. Once determined, however, it is important to note that the payout rate will not fluctuate with the market. Make-A-Wish Nevada issues gift annuities to any beneficiary over the age of 60 who wishes to make a gift of $10,000 and greater You may also defer charitable gift annuities. This means you can give now and begin receiving payments later on, with the guarantee of a higher rate of return. Donors who defer income for a period of years can take a larger immediate income tax deduction. This can be a great retirement planning tool for younger donors.
With a charitable remainder trust, you designate a qualifying gift to Make-A-Wish Nevada through a trust. You can use either cash or noncash possessions to fund the trust. Your trust provides regular payments to one or more individuals for life or for a term of years. When the trust terminates, the amount bequeathed in the trust is transferred to Make-A-Wish Nevada to be used for the purpose you designated.
A charitable lead trust is a unique planned gift arrangement that makes payments to Make-A-Wish Nevada for a specific pre-determined period of time. When the term of the trust ends, the remaining assets are returned to you or distributed to your heirs.
When you fund an endowment, you create a meaningful legacy that ensures wish kids can experience the transformational impact of a wish. Endowments are tailored to match your personal interests with the interests of wish kids. You may designate a specific geographic area, type of wish or medical condition to benefit from your gift – or you may choose the area of greatest need. You can create an endowment through your estate or with a cash gift.
Wishes aren’t just nice – they are necessary. This belief drives everything we do. It compels us to exceed the expectations of every wish kid while making our donated resources go as far as possible. It’s the founding principle of our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child. Please make your planned gift today. Your legacy will create hope, strength and transformation for generations to come.
We Want to Thank You Now. Join Legacy of Wishes SM
Our Legacy of Wishes Society celebrates and recognizes donors who have included Make-A-Wish Nevada in their estate plan. It keeps you connected to our mission through the stories of our wish kids. You will also receive special recognition and exclusive invitations to key events. All you need to do is tell us that your plan is in place.
To Learn More, Please Contact:
Alexis Barashy Director of Individual Giving
Make-A-Wish Nevada
702.932.2882
alexisb @ nv. wish.org
I wish to have a stair lift
Jai’anie, 4 respiratory disorder
Jai’anie, the sweetest and funniest four-year-old ever! Despite facing the challenges of a respiratory disorder since birth, Jai’anie’s spirit remains unbreakable. Her special wish was to have a stair lift installed in her home, as her family struggled to carry her up and down the stairs as she grew. In July 2024, this wish came true, transforming her home into a celebration filled with colorful balloons and a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new stair lift has brought immense relief and joy to Jai’anie and her family. “She loves riding, so the stair lift is definitely going to be something she is going to want to be on all day”, her mom said with a laugh. The practical addition has made a significant impact on their daily lives reducing the physical strain on her family and providing Jai’anie with newfound independence.
Thanks to the generosity of Make-A-Wish Nevada and its supporters, Jai’anie and her family now have one less challenge to face, showcasing the profound difference a wish can make in the lives of children.
Watch Jai’anie’s Wish
Our unforgettable events bring communities together, raising vital funds to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Explore event sponsorship opportunities and be part of creating extraordinary memories.
SPONSOR DETAILS
Elevate your support by becoming a Super Sponsor, a premier supporter recognized across all of our signature events. Super Sponsors receive year-round visibility, exclusive access, and tailored benefits based on giving levels.
Super Sponsorships begin at $50,000. To design a customized sponsorship package that aligns with your goals and values, please contact Sheila Marcello Victor at sheilam@nv.wish.org.
Fashion Luncheon is a premier fundraising event, benefiting Make-A-Wish® Nevada. This highly anticipated event continues to sell out year over year. Since 2002, the Luncheon has raised over $9 million to grant wishes for deserving children in our community. This intimate luncheon is one of the most sought-after seats in town. The event annually sells out months in advance with a regular list of Las Vegas’ most fashionable women. CELEBRATING 24 YEARS OF FASHION AND PHILANTHROPY:
OVER 1,500 wishes granted OVER 180 attendees annually
OVER $9 MILLION raised to make wishes come true
A wish is prescribed hope, and now more than ever, that hope is essential. The healing power of a wish starts when a child learns their wish is coming true and continues to work as they anticipate their wish. Your corporate support of Fashion Luncheon can help give hope to wish kids and make every wish come true.
Company logo on Wish Board at our Designer pop-up shop
Opportunity to include a branded item in event gift bag for each guest (180 expected attendees)
Two seats at the 24th Annual Fashion Luncheon
Premium placement of company logo on signage at the check-in table
Company logo featured on event formal invitation and thank you cards for attendees and vendors
Recognition in Make-A-Wish® Nevada annual report
Acknowledgment in event program
Prominent recognition on event monitors with company logo
Company logo on Make-A-Wish® Nevada website (1 year)
Emcee mentions throughout the live program
Opportunity for company employees to participate/plan a Wish Reveal
Invitation to annual Make-A-Wish Nevada Evening of Gratitude Event
Starry Night is an exclusive casino-themed charity event and live poker tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish Nevada. This event will draw the most admired and prestigious members of the community. The event combines the thrill of casino games, great food, amazing entertainment, and incredible auction items, all for the purpose of raising funds to grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses. Attendees will experience a unique and entertaining evening while having the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause.
OVER 85 wishes granted OVER 300 attendees annually
CO-CHAIRS
ALMOST $1 MILLION raised to make wishes come true
OPPORTUNITIES
A wish is prescribed hope, and now more than ever, that hope is essential. The healing power of a wish starts when a child learns their wish is coming true and continues to work as they anticipate their wish. Your corporate support of Starry Night can help give hope to wish kids and make every wish come true.
Walk For Wishes is moving to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza this year
Walk For Wishes® is a nationwide Make-A-Wish® fundraiser that celebrates the more than 375,000 wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. It’s a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, donors, and friends.
Sponsorship Opportunities Coming Soon!
I wish to have a petting zoo themed birthday party
ZaRiyah, 4 blood disorder
Celebrating 13 years of Waffles and Wishes!
This inspiring morning event brings together wish families, volunteers, and community supporters to celebrate the power of a wish and raise vital funds to grant even more wishes for critically ill children in Nevada.
Sponsorship Opportunities Coming Soon!
You’re in GOOD COMPANY
Make-A-Wish Nevada volunteers at Walk For Wishes
There are many ways employees can contribute money, including through payroll deductions, joining workplace giving federations, and participating in internal fundraising events.
Many companies encourage employees to donate to their favorite charities by matching their contributions. That means the impact of your gift to Make-A-Wish® may be doubled or possibly tripled!
When it comes to fundraising for Make-A-Wish Nevada, the only limit is your imagination. Fundraise online, engage your school, company or organization and join a community of supporters who transform lives.
Join a caring community of more than 24,000 volunteers who transform lives.
Kids for wish kids can transform your school community. Students of all ages can create their own ways to raise funds or combine their efforts with existing school events, like spirit week or field day.
Throughout April, participating businesses can support us by offering special promotions, donating a portion of ticket sale proceeds, or hosting activations in-store that raise awareness for World Wish Month.
Visit nv.wish.org for more information.
W I S H G R A N T E D , 2 0 2 4
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 life-changing moment she’ll cherish forever
I wish to have unlimited costumes
Avery, 8 inflammatory disorder
Meet Avery, a funny, silly, and sweet eight-year-old with a passion for dress-up that brings him endless joy and adventure. Avery’s love for costumes lets him explore every world his imagination can dream of—whether it’s as a brave astronaut, a ferocious dinosaur, or a clever superhero.
However, his path to playtime has been marked by a brave battle with health challenges. Avery was diagnosed with an inflammatory disorder in early 2024. His daily life now includes treatments, but Avery hasn’t let his spirit wane. In fact, his love for dressing up has become his way of finding joy and expressing his boundless imagination.
On Halloween, Avery’s costume wish came to life in “spooktacular” style at the Wishing Place. His day began with a limo ride, arriving to the cheers of Make-A-Wish Nevada staff, volunteers, and classmates, all decked out in festive costumes to welcome him. The surprise continued as Avery was presented with countless costume options to start his new collection. Without hesitation, he grabbed a police uniform, slipped into character, and proudly showed it off to his friends and family. The celebration continued with trick-or-treating around the Wishing Place, pumpkin decorating, and pizza—transforming the day into a Halloween wish come true.
A huge thank you goes out to Greenberg Traurig for sponsoring Avery’s incredible wish. His collection of costumes will be there to spark his creativity and keep his spirits high, giving him a chance to be any character his heart desires and remind him that his strength and joy are limitless.
There are few experiences more powerful than making a
I wish to go to my favorite theme park Khriz, 15 end-stage kidney disease
This wish experience helped him to be in the moment of happiness and escape the constant reminder that he is a child with a medical condition.
— wish parent to Khriz
[Kai’s favorite part was] the day of the reveal. The feeling of community and support from Make-A-Wish, Dutch Bros and Omega Ramps. We truly were not alone on this journey.
— wish parent to Kai
It provided hope and a feeling of accomplishment and taught Kai that there are good things and good people in this world. This experience was a lighthouse in a sea of darkness. It gave us something to channel our fear and uncertainty into.
— wish parent to Kai
I wish to have a half-pipe in my backyard Kai, 15 leukemia
I wish to go to San Diego Arjen, 4 liver transplant
Learning more about animals and their habitats has fostered Arjen’s further interest about wildlife and that animals don’t exist only on television. The experience helped Arjen realize that life can have a lot to offer for a child’s interest, that is to say there is usually more to explore in life.
— wish parent to Arjen
To see the smile on Kaydence’s face brought tears of joy. To make Kaydence happy is our goal in life so having supplied her with her new walk in shower did make her very happy.
— wish grand-parent to Kaydence
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all involved in making Kaydence’s wish come true. Truly everyone involved made it an amazing experience. Thank you.
— wish grand-parent to Kaydence
I wish to have an accessible shower
Kaydence, 13 nervous system disorder
Muchas gracias por existir Make-A-Wish gracias por ayudar a cumplir sus deseos de los niños yo como madre me siento súper contenta por hacer realidad nuestro deseo gracias a todos y cada uno de ustedes que Dios los bendiga.
— wish parent to Jacqueline
Thank you for existing Make-A-Wish! Thank you for helping grant wishes for children, as a mother I am so happy that Jacqueline’s wish came true, thank you to everyone and every single one, God bless you all.
— wish parent to Jacqueline
I wish to have a party at Adventuredome
Ariadna, 20 respiratory disorder
I wish to have a Minnie Mousethemed party Jacqueline, 3 leukemia
Ariadna was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at age 14. She didn’t have a Quinceañera but she would always mention her dream to have one. Make-A-Wish made that dream come true for her in a grand way.
— wish parent to Ariadna