CrissBecauseAngel,
From the entire Make-A-Wish Nevada family,
I wish to have a stair lift
Jai’anie, 4 respiratory disorder
Thank you for granting Jai’anie’s wish. — Symphanie, Jai’anie’s mom
I wish to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort
Janel, 12 cancer Meet Our Wish Kids! (From the Cover)
Maggie 3 genetic disorder
I wish to have a stair lift
Jai’anie, 4 respiratory disorder
I wish to go on a shopping spree
Zayden, 5 gastrointestinal disorder
I wish to have a hot tub in my backyard Sofia, 3 respiratory disorder I wish to go to Disney Aulani
Dear Criss Angel and Family,
Thank you for another year of helping us get closer to our mission’s goal of granting a life-changing wish to every eligible child in Nevada. As you know, this year has been unique as we embarked on the journey of becoming Make-A-Wish Nevada once more. Your support has been instrumental in ensuring we have the capacity to take over the state. Already we’re doing outreach with medical facilities in the northern part of the state and finding kids who were eligible for a wish who hadn’t previously been identified. We’re continuing to educate and hope by the end of next year, we have a strong presence in the entire state, so we get closer to achieving our mission.
Personally, I’d like to thank you for your example of tenacity and hard work which has inspired me to never take no for an answer and always has me striving to do more than I did yesterday. You continue to provide me with a benchmark I hope to achieve personally and for all the children suffering from critical illnesses here in Nevada.
Due to your incredible support this year, we went from granting 59 wishes funded by you last year to granting 78 this year! No one I know is a Wish Granter, a Wish Dad, or a Wish expert like you and I am both humbled and grateful to have you by our side.
Whether it was changing the life of Jai’anie and her family by installing a stair lift, watching Zayden light up as he got to go shopping, choosing anything he wanted for the first time in his life or the incredible family getaway to Hawaii, Wish Kiddo, Janel and her family enjoyed, thanks to your support, as costs rose we were still able to ensure every eligible child received their wish when they needed it most. As always, we’re grateful and humbled by your generosity.
You continue to change lives, my friend. You truly are the Beacon of Hope we all need in our lives, and I hope this recap, featuring the kids whose wishes you made come true, allows you to feel your impact from this past year. Our kids, our families, and our staff absolutely felt your presence and generosity.
On behalf of all of us, thank you for your continued commitment to bringing hope to the children of Nevada and beyond!
Wishfully Yours,
Scott Rosenzweig President & CEO
I wish to go to
Disney Aulani
Janel, 12 cancer
MEET JANEL
At just 12 years old, Janel has been a true inspiration to her mom and two sisters, demonstrating remarkable courage and bravery. Despite her diagnosis just over a year ago, she has kept up with her 6th-grade schoolwork through a homebound program in her middle school. She loves playing games, coloring, cooking, and watching TikTok videos to pass the time, but swimming is the activity that brings her the most joy.
Janel was diagnosed with cancer on March 8, 2022. Starting treatment immediately was a challenging transition for her and her family. Her treatment plan includes weekly chemotherapy, which has impacted her ability to walk, needing weekly physical therapy and the use of a wheelchair. Janel has also undergone five weeks of radiation and two surgeries: one to remove a tumor in her leg and another for port placement. She receives occasional visits from ProCare Hospice and takes medication to manage the overwhelming emotions of her journey.
Janel’s greatest wish was to soak in the healing powers of nature at the Disney Hawaiian
Resort, Aulani. A Disney fan at heart, Janel discovered that Aulani topped her bucket list. She had an incredible time swimming in the resort’s waters, experiencing a Hawaiian paradise, and meeting Disney characters simultaneously. Janel took pictures with some of her favorite Disney characters and even got to experience fine dining.
This trip motivated her to persevere through physical therapy. She eagerly anticipated running into Mickey’s arms and hula dancing around the resort. Janel’s wish came true in January of this year, bringing her immense joy and unforgettable memories.
I wish to have a stair lift
Jai’aine, 4 respiratory disorder
MEET JAI’AINE
Jai’anie is a delightful and spirited four-year-old known for her outgoing personality and love of meeting new people. Her favorite activity is watching animated kids’ shows, especially Gracie’s Corner. Surrounded by her loving family, including a younger sister, Jai’anie faces the challenges of a respiratory disorder from birth, requiring extensive treatments such as a ventilator, pulse ox machine, trach, feeding tube, and supplemental oxygen. Despite these difficulties, her family has grown closer, supporting each other through every challenge.
Jai’anie had one special wish: to have a stair lift installed in her home. As the cherished princess of the household, her family had always carried her up and down the stairs, but as she grew, this became increasingly challenging. The stair lift promised not only convenience but also a new level of independence and joy for Jai’anie and her family.
In the summer of 2024, Jai’anie’s wish came true! Her home was transformed into a festive space with colorful balloons and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new stair lift. Surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers, the event was filled with smiles and tears of joy.
The stair lift has quickly become a source of endless fun for Jai’anie. According to her mom, “She loves riding it and wants to be on it all day.” The stair lift has already made a significant impact, providing immense relief and joy to the entire family.
Thanks to the generosity of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and its supporters, Jai’anie and her family now have one less challenge to face. This stair lift is a testament to the magic of wishes and the profound difference they make in the lives of children like Jai’anie.
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Maggie, 3 genetic disorder
MEET MAGGIE
Maggie’s is a special and sassy three-year-old girl. Maggie knows what she wants and is confident to let you know. She’s full of life and able to express the full range of her emotions. She enjoys meeting new people and hanging out with her parents, brother & sister. She loves to play with all things that light up, play music, and play with her many toys.
Maggie was diagnosed prenatally at 28 weeks with a genetic disorder. Her medical journey has been very difficult and overwhelming for the entire family. Maggie has been very strong and encouraging to others with her positive attitude.
Maggie’s current treatment consists of occupational therapy and physical therapy four times a week. She has a pro-care, hospice nurse once a week and a nurse four times a week. Maggie does receive palliative care through eight different specialists and receives oxygen when needed. She is on a ventilator, feeding tube, port, and heart catheter. She has endured a few surgeries including surgery for a esophageal tres/tes esophagus repair. She is preparing for a future surgery to replace her feeding tube. Maggie also uses an adaptive stroller for all her equipment.
Maggie’s perfect wish is to visit Disney World. Maggie and her family have been thru quite a medical journey and now that her condition is improving, they would love to travel to this magical place. Maggie loves Disney movies and songs. She especially loves Tangled and The Little Mermaid. Bringing Disney to life would be a dream come true for Maggie and her family.
Thanks to the Moore family, Maggie and her family had so much fun on their wish! Maggie’s mom was blown away by how amazing and accommodating everyone was, from their drivers to the airline crew! Maggie’s favorite part was to meet Mickey Mouse, Maggie’s family made the best memories and are so grateful to Make-A-Wish and the Moore family for making Maggie’s wish a reality.
It was absolutely amazing, and we had so much fun. Maggie particularly loved the firework show at Magic Kingdom - she could not stop smiling and laughing. She got her own engraved wand from Harry Potter world at Universal, an engraved ornament from Magic Kindom, and got a picture with Rey from Star Wars Land (Maggie’s middle name is Rey from Star Wars). She was so happy and smiling throughout the week. And Give Kids the World is amazing. I can’t say enough good things about that place. We were so thankful to have the opportunity to stay there.
Maggie’s mom
I wish to have a hot tub
Sofia, 3 respiratory disorder
MEET SOFIA
Sofia is a cheerful three-year-old girl who loves meeting new people, greeting everyone with a big smile. Happy and silly, she’s an affectionate toddler and a wonderful conversation partner, often communicating by blowing kisses. When she isn’t dancing to country music or listening to her favorite books, Sofia enjoys playing outside, her favorite place. She especially loves swimming and is happiest when in the water, often splashing away in her backyard inflatable pool like a real-life mermaid!
At one and a half years old, Sofia was diagnosed with a severe respiratory disorder. For half her life, she’s been in and out of hospitals in Las Vegas and Utah, seeing numerous specialists for fevers, seizures, and respiratory issues. Despite receiving physical and occupational therapy and sometimes needing oxygen, Sofia maintains her joyful and silly personality.
In line with her love of water, Sofia’s Wish is to have a hot tub in her backyard. She’s outgrowing her small inflatable pool, and a hot tub would be the perfect way to relax in the water at home. Additionally, Sofia is
beginning aquatic therapy, which benefits her muscles and joints. Having a hot tub would allow her to continue therapy at home and live the life of a real mermaid!
Sofia’s wish reveal was intimate and sweet. Family, friends, and her aquatic therapist gathered for the occasion, with MakeA-Wish staff setting up a table with donuts and hot tub goodies. When the proclamation was read, everyone cheered. Sofia lit up when she first entered the hot tub, visibly relaxing in the water. Her mom shared they would spend lots of time in it, making therapy a regular part of Sofia’s life.
I wish to go on a shopping spree
Zayden, 5 gastrointestinal disorder
MEET ZAYDEN
Five-year-old Zayden is a very energetic, well-adjusted child. Zayden lives with his Dad who shared that Zayden is very, very talkative and he likes to repeat/parrot back everything he hears. He is comfortable discussing his illness. One of his favorite topics is food and how much he loves food. Zayden loves playing on his tablet, spending time with other kids, and sharing his toys. When Zayden meets new people, he reacts differently depending on the person. He has no verbal, mental, or emotional delays; however, he is still young and continues to be monitored for delays. Although he currently does not attend school, he is being registered at his local elementary school.
Zayden was born prematurely at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU. Four days after birth, he became very sick and started to display gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. His GI disorder affected his ability to eat and absorb nutrients, requiring treatment to maintain his health. Zayden has a central line through which he receives Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) every night for 10 hours. He also receives other medications to assist with nutrient absorption and blood clots. Zayden is doing mostly well now and learning how to eat regular food. He has lab work once a week and is on a waitlist for physical therapy.
Zayden wishes to have a shopping spree. He would like to expend some of his never-ending energy into buying all the robots he can! He also loves all kinds of games and electronics such as a PS5, a Nintendo Switch, and so much more.
To make this WISH come true, funding will be needed to help with a spending budget and possibly gifts from some of the stores, especially those with electronic devices. He might need a wheelchair during the shopping trip.
Your generosity helped grant wishes from
DISNEYLAND TRIPS TO FAITH’S FIRST PUPPY!!!
I wish to have a mini dachshund
Faith, 15 heart condition
I wish to go on a shopping spree
Anthony, 7 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
Zuri, 3 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
Liam, 7 congenital heart disease
I wish to go on a cabin trip
Irie, 6 respiratory disorder
CRISS, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
were critical to Make-A-Wish Nevada’s success in 2024.
BECAUSE OF YOU,
78 critically ill children in Nevada received A
LIFE-CHANGING WISH THANK YOU
FOR BEING OUR BEACON OF HOPE FOR OUR KIDS.
WISHES YOUR GENEROSITY MADE POSSIBLE!
Because of You, These Wishes Came True in 2024!
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort and have a Starship Cruiser experience Khriz Fernandez, 16 End-Stage Kidney Disease
I wish to have a sensory room extravaganza Jeremy, 5 nervous system disorder
I wish to go to Hawaii Ian, 7 cancer
I wish to have a hot tub for therapy Sofia, 4 respiratory disorder
I wish to have a shopping spree Kasey, 12 blood disorder
I wish to have a shopping spree Valerie, 9 lymphoma
I wish to have specialized mobility devices for my needs Cameron, 5 nervous system disorder
I wish to go to San Diego Victoria, 13 nervous system disorder
I wish to have a shopping spree Anthony, 8 leukemia
I wish to go to Universal Studios, Orlando Christopher, 14 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Christopher, 10 congenital heart disease
I wish to have a sensory bedroom make-over Francesco, 7 nervous system disorder
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort and be a Princess Aaliyah, 8 liver transplant
I wish to have a Minnie Mouse themed party Jacqueline, 4 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Julian, 10 blood disorder
I wish to have a shopping spree Taiir, 11 neuromuscular disorder
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Noemi, 6 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Zander, 6 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Kahleel, 16 blood disorder
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Dominic, 4 brain tumor
I wish to have a shopping spree Eliezer, 18 leukemia
I wish to have a horse Achilleus, 8 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Xavier, 15 cancer
I wish to have a mini dachshund dog Faith, 16 heart condition
I wish to have assistance going on my mission Joseph, 20 cystic fibrosis
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Hailey-Rayne, 15 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort during Christmastime Leia, 7 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Liam, 9 congenital heart disease
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Luke, 8 cancer
I wish to go to Disney Aulani Janel, 13 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Maggie, 4 genetic disorder
I wish to have a shopping spree Cynthia, 15 leukemia
I wish to have more accessibility in my home Mia, 18 nervous system disorder
I wish to have a shopping spree Malaka, 4 blood disorder
I wish to have a gaming set up Anthony, 15 rare disease
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Tia’Marie, 11 genetic disorder
I wish to go to Super Nintendo World Blake, 16 cystic fibrosis
I wish to have an online gaming set-up Alex, 12 cystic fibrosis
I wish to have a shopping spree Julio, 15 leukemia
I wish to go to Hawaii Juan, 10 cystic fibrosis
I wish to go to Universal Studios Orlando Leilani, 14 congenital heart disease
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Cole, 4 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Brian, 7 blood disorder
I wish to have a teacup Yorkie Valerie, 17 cancer
I wish to go to New York City Claire, 17 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Genesis, 10 kidney disease
I wish to hug Anna and Elsa at Walt Disney World® Resort Ezekiel, 5 blood disorder
I wish to have background play equipment Samuel, 8 heart condition
I wish to go to Hawaii Ryan , 11 heart condition
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort to meet Minnie and Mickey Mouse
Zara, 5 leukemia
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
Zuri, 4 cancer
I wish to have a shopping spree
Zayden, 5 gastrointestinal disorder
I wish to go to Hawaii Eric, 12 cancer
I wish to have a shopping spree Jadyn, 20 heart condition
I wish to have a shopping spree Juan, 16 blood disorder
I wish to go to Super Nintendo World Luis, 8 brain tumor
I wish to have a brown lab Alexis, 16 leukemia
I wish to have a shopping spree Jesus, 7 neuromuscular disorder
I wish to go to Hawaii Katherine, 17 congenital heart disease
I wish to go to Nickelodeon Resorts at Punta Cana Alicia, 7 cancer
I wish to have a shopping spree Makayla , 14 kidney disease
I wish to go to the Bahamas Isabella, 10 cystic fibrosis
I wish to go to Harry Potter and Super Mario World Amaezyn, 8 blood disorder
I wish to go to Hawaii Carter, 13 cystic fibrosis
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Alexa, 8 cancer
I wish to go on a beach trip to San Diego Angelo, 17 nervous system disorder
I wish to go to Disney Aulani Demia, 16 nervous system disorder
I wish to have a stair lift
Jai’anie, 4 respiratory disorder
I wish to go to San Diego Ambria, 16 brain tumor
I wish to go to Maui Jelin, 18 cystic fibrosis
I wish to go to Great Wolf Lodge Jayleen, 11 leukemia
I wish to go on a cabin trip in Duck Creek, UT Irie, 7 respiratory disorder
I wish to go to Morgan’s Wonderland Jayleene, 16 genetic disorder
I wish to go to Hawaii and swim with the dolphins Savannah, 7 cancer
I wish to go to Cancun Robin, 13 cancer
I wish to have a shopping spree Donovin, 14 lymphoma
I wish to go to Hawaii David, 16 cancer
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Genisis, 5 cancer
Exciting News, Criss!
As of September 1st, 2024, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and the Northern Nevada Region of Make-A-Wish have reunited to form one unified chapter: MAKE-A-WISH NEVADA. This incredible merger has allowed us to extend our reach and grant even more wishes to children in need, throughout the entire state.
We want to personally thank you for your unwavering generosity and support. Your donations have had a tremendous impact, helping to fulfill the wishes of countless children. Your commitment has allowed us to expand our efforts, bringing hope and joy to more young lives than ever before. Through your kindness, you’ve played a key role in this exciting new chapter, creating an even greater difference for the children of Nevada.
We are truly grateful for your continued partnership and dedication to making the world a brighter place for these children.
October, 25th 2024: Make-A-Wish Nevada staff, friends & family gathered to unveil the new Make-A-Wish Nevada sign.
