Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This is the mission of Make-A-Wish®, the driving force behind everything we have accomplished and all we hope to accomplish in the years to come.
A mission that would not be possible without the generous support of people like you. Your unwavering support and generosity continue to transform dreams into reality, and we are truly honored to have you as partners in our mission.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your extraordinary commitment. Your contributions go far beyond financial support; they embody a spirit of compassion, hope, and joy that touches the lives of each family we serve. Your kindness and authenticity shine through in every wish you help fulfill, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of those who need it most.
Each interaction you have with our families is a testament to your genuine care and dedication. You bring not only resources but also a profound sense of community and support. Your ability to connect with and uplift others is a rare and beautiful gift, one that we are endlessly grateful for.
As you turn the pages of this book, we hope you see the countless smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the joy that you have made possible. These stories of hope and happiness are a direct result of your benevolence, and we are privileged to share them with you.
Thank you, Robls, for being a beacon of light and hope. Your incredible generosity and heartfelt engagement with each family continue to inspire us all. We look forward to many more years of working together to make wishes come true.
You transform lives, one wish at a time. We cannot thank you enough.
With deepest gratitude,
Sheila Marcello Victor Senior Director of Development
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 Southern 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 go to the Peppa Pig Theme Park
Baylor, 3 cancer
MEET BAYLOR
Baylor is described by those closest to her as funny, sassy, and very magical. They jokingly call her “boss baby” because she knows what she wants when she wants it. Baylor can charm any room with her adorable-self, and loves to spend time with her family. She also enjoys listening to music, watching Paw Patrol, and baking with her grandma.
In January of 2023, Baylor’s preschool teacher felt something off in Baylor’s stomach. She called mom right away, and their lives would forever change from there. The next day, Baylor had surgery to remove a tumor from her kidney. They also placed a port in her, and she has had to undergo 33 weeks of chemotherapy and 8 rounds of radiation therapy. Overall, though, the family said she has been handling it very well. She’s now down to monthly checkups, thankfully, because she tends to be frightened when she goes to the doctor.
Throughout her medical journey, Baylor watched Peppa Pig and it quickly became a favorite. It’s fitting, then, that her heartfelt wish is to visit the Peppa Pig theme park in Florida! Baylor can’t wait to hug Peppa herself and ride all the rides. She also enjoys building sandcastles, which she does often in California when visiting her aunt. Baylor has been through more in
her three years than many can imagine. Her family looks forward to enjoying this time together and giving Baylor the opportunity to meet Peppa and build sandcastles in Florida!
Thanks to the Robl family, Baylor’s wish came true! The first thing they did once they got settled in Orlando was head to the Peppa Pig theme park! Baylor and her family had the most amazing time! Mom said that everything went smoothly and perfectly. Baylor and her brother were both very excited to meet Peppa. The meet and greet with Peppa was everything Baylor could’ve dreamed of.
They also got to experience the magic of Disney on their trip. Although Baylor and her brother were a little small for the rides, they had the BEST time meeting the Disney characters. The family had a fantastic time and is so grateful to the Robl family for helping Baylor’s wish come true!
I wish to go to
World®
MEET LUKE
Luke is a remarkable three-year-old with a big personality. Funky and lovable is the best way to describe him. He loves meeting new people & sharing his attitude with the world. He is wisely cautious when first meeting him but he quickly warms up to you. He is happiest doing anything new with his parents and three brothers. Anything Disney is his favorite, especially Mickey Mouse, Goofy and the Lion King.
Luke was diagnosed in April last year with a brain tumor. The beginning of his medical journey was difficult for the entire family.
Currently, Luke is undergoing chemotherapy and taking medication to support his immune system. The cancer treatment will end in February, with recovery ending in March. He has had one surgery to place his port for treatment. Luke is doing well overall and continues to show alot strength for such a little guy.
Luke’s wish is to visit Disney World in Florida. He would like to meet Mickey, have breakfast with Goofy and go on rides—as he is a thrillseeker. He also wants to go inside the castle. A Disney World vacation would be a dream come true for Luke and his family.
Thanks to the amazing Robl family, Luke’s wish came true! Luke and his family had the BEST time on their trip. When asked about their trip, mom said “We cannot even begin to describe how much this trip meant to all of us. Seeing Luke happy and smiling was everything and more. He has been through so much, and we didn’t know if we’d get to this point. Having the hope and magic of this wish was something that kept us all going through every part of it. We were waiting and waiting – it was better than we could’ve ever imagined! He loved meeting the characters, riding some of the rides, eating all of the delicious food, and seeing the beach for the very first time.”
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone at Make-A-Wish, and the Robl family for making Luke’s wish a reality. It truly was a trip we will never forget.
— Luke’s mom
I wish to have a gaming PC to design games
13 cancer
Prince,
MEET PRINCE
Prince, a bubbly, sweet family-oriented kid, is just like any other teenage boy who loves to play video games. Unfortunately, in July of 2021, Prince was diagnosed with cancer. This took an immense toll on him, and he often did not even want to be at school. School always drained him, and it would never be a good day for him there. Instead, he loved being at home with his family, where the environment was much better for him.
Soon after his diagnosis, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada stepped up and wanted to give Prince a once-in-alifetime opportunity to make one wish of his own. Prince’s wish was to have a gaming PC for designing games. Being a big gamer, he dreams of creating his own games someday. Prince loves playing Roblox and Minecraft, and having a gaming PC would enable him to dive deeper into his passion for game design.
Thanks to the generous donations and support from The Robl family and the Make-A-Wish community, Prince’s wish came true. When the day finally arrived for Prince to receive his new gaming PC, his face lit up with pure joy.
Surrounded by his family, he unboxed the sleek new computer, complete with all the latest features and powerful specs perfect for game design. Prince’s mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “This gaming PC is more than just a computer for Prince. It’s a doorway to his dreams and a source of endless joy during challenging times.”
With his new gaming PC, Prince is not just a gamer but also a budding game designer, ready to explore, create, and share his imagination with the world. This wish has made Prince a very happy camper and gave him an experience he will never forget.
Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible, especially The Robl family. This gaming PC means the world to me. I can’t wait to start designing my own games and hopefully share them with other kids like me someday. — Prince, wish kid
I wish to go to
Walt Disney World® Resort
Gizelle, 8 brain tumor
MEET GIZELLE
Meet the wonderful Gizelle! She is an extraordinary eightyear-old girl whose outgoing personality brightens the day of everyone she meets. Her smile lights up every room, and she has an inspiring positivity and kindness. She lives with her parents, brother, and sister, who are a wonderful supportive family. She loves art, making bracelets, stuffed animals, and Disney movies.
Earlier this year, Gizelle started to develop headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty with movement which became progressively worse. When her parents brought her to the doctor, their worst fears were confirmed when imaging showed that she had a tumor in her brain near her pituitary gland. She was immediately admitted to the hospital, undergoing surgery to place a central line for chemotherapy. She is undergoing multiple chemotherapy cycles and eventually radiation therapy to treat her cancer. This treatment has been difficult on her body, but despite all she has been through, she still has a smile and a welcoming heart.
Gizelle was overjoyed at the opportunity to come to Make-A-Wish. It took no time for her to decide that her one true wish is to go to Disney
World with her family, a wish she had dreamed of so many times. When asked what she was most looking forward to, she enthusiastically talked about the details of the Moana-themed portion of Disney World. She dreams of dancing with princesses, eating all the delicious foods, and having a wonderful time with her Minnie Mouse ears sparkling as she watches the fireworks show. Gizelle is such an amazingly special girl, and just like Cinderella’s fairy godmother, Make-A-Wish is making her dreams come true!
Because of the Robl family, Gizelle’s wish was granted! Gizelle had the best time in Disney World with her family. They got to go on the rides, meet the characters, and soak up the magic of Disney!
Gizelle and the whole family enjoyed every single thing. I hadn’t seen her smile so much in such a long time. It was the best trip we’ve ever taken. From the bottom of our hearts Thank you so, so much. Gizelle’s wish was made possible because of people like the Robl’s!
— Gizelle’s mom
I wish to go to
Walt Disney World® Resort
Shailo, 12 respiratory disorder
MEET SHAILO
12-year-old Shailo is described as a happy individual who likes to play with his siblings and is very sociable with other kids. He enjoys music, movies, and basketball.
Diagnosed with a respiratory disorder at birth, Shailo’s medical journey has been difficult from the start. He was born prematurely at 21 weeks and had to spend nine months in the hospital following his birth. Due to this, he has had developmental delays and communicates with gestures and sign language. His treatment consists of consistent follow-up visits with his pulmonologist every three months along with seven medications fed through a syringe. He’s had multiple surgeries, including a G-tube placement surgery, tracheotomy, and a chest catheter placement. Throughout his condition and treatments, Shailo remains to be regularly happy, smiling, and laughing, although he’s found it difficult to be outgoing.
Despite the difficulties of his medical journey so far, Shailo has made great strides in improvement, showcased by him no longer being on a ventilator. With this newfound freedom came the desire to branch out, explore, and have the time of his life! After much deliberation, Shailo decided on a trip to Disney World, where he imagines meeting all of his favorite characters – especially Mickey Mouse! He also imagines exploring the entire
theme park with his family and seeing everything that the park has to offer!
Thanks to the Robl family, Shailo was able to experience the magic of Disney! Shailo and his family had the most amazing trip to Disney World
The whole family loved being able to spend time together and explore Florida for the first time. They did all the parks, including Universal. Shailo got to meet lots of characters, including Mickey and Moana, but they truly had the best time at Give Kids the World. Mom shared that they could have spent so much more time there, and plan to go back as alumni to volunteer. At Give Kids the World, Shailo got to add his star to the star wall, and mom said she couldn’t hold back her tears!
They also enjoyed a Christmas Party on one of their evenings at the village, where mom and the kids got to dance with a penguin and big gingerbread men- she said Shailo loved that! They received so many gifts and were able to get so many souvenirs that they had to purchase a spare suitcase to bring it all home! Overall they had the best time and made lots of great memories together!
I wish to have an engraved Cartier Love Bracelet
Carissa, 16 cancer
MEET CARISSA
16-year-old Carrisa is described as the sweetest girl ever! She is very smart; she is taking AP classes during homebound schooling. Carissa enjoys meeting new people and is super helpful around the house. She loves watching TikTok, getting her nails done, and shopping. She can also be found hanging out with her best friend, cooking, baking, and going to basketball games. She loves to drive and just wander around the city.
Carissa beat cancer not only once, but twice. She was first diagnosed in January of 2021 after seeing a GI doctor for what they thought was Crohn’s disease. After many tests, it was found that she had tumors on her ovaries. She had to have surgery to remove her ovary. After she was in remission the first time, she was then diagnosed again and had to get a second surgery to remove her second ovary. Carrisa is a fighter; she is currently finishing her chemotherapy treatments. Despite getting very sick after her treatments, she is the epitome of strength.
Carissa’s wish is to have an engraved Cartier Love Bracelet. Beating cancer and fighting through chemotherapy have been such a big part of her life. After beating cancer the first time, she got an engraved necklace from her parents to commemorate her bravery. She loves the idea of having another timeless jewelry piece that will serve as a reminder of her journey. “The most important part of my
wish is the meaning behind it and the fact I will be able to keep this bracelet with me forever,” says Carissa. “When someone makes a comment or asks about the bracelet, I will have such an amazing story and experience to tell. The bracelet will signify MY story and what I’ve been through and that is so special to me.” This bracelet will be a symbol of all she has had to endure.
Thanks to the Robl family, Carissa’s wish came true at the Cartier store! Carissa had the time of her life and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time. She was treated like a true VIP – she was welcomed with sparkling white tea, an illustrator who drew custom caricature drawings of her Cartier experience, and a positive and eager staff who made her feel welcome from the get-go. She ended up trying on multiple bracelets and getting to pick the one that felt the most special to her. She was able to get it engraved right there on-site. Cartier even did a special engraving of her box for her to keep.
A dream come true. For her getting to pick what she really wants and have something she can carry with her forever – that is an indescribable feeling. We cannot say thank you enough to you all, and the Robl family, who made this wish happen for Carissa. We are so grateful.
— Carissa’s mom
I wish to go to
Disneyland®
Rhett, 3 nervous system disorder
MEET RHETT
Four-year-old Rhett is an incredible and lovable little boy! He is happiest when he’s surrounded by his siblings, kicking his feet in excitement whenever he sees them. Rhett thrives on sensory experiences, gravitating toward lights, sounds, and movement, and he adores his mom and all the noise and activity around him. Despite facing challenges, Rhett’s joyful spirit shines through, bringing happiness to everyone who knows him.
At just six months old, Rhett was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder that has affected his development, including being nonverbal. While he has faced a complex medical journey that includes participating in a gene therapy trial, he approaches life with resilience and positivity. His family describes him as an awesome and inspiring child who brings endless love and joy to their lives.
Rhett’s wish was to go to Disneyland, a place his family believed would offer a truly magical experience. The vibrant lights, cheerful sounds, and endless sensory elements of Disney seemed like the perfect fit for him. The family also appreciated that Disneyland allowed them to travel safely and comfortably by car while giving Rhett the chance to explore an exciting, new world. They dreamed of spending quality time together in a place where they could focus on creating joyful memories without the worries of their everyday challenges.
Thanks to the generosity of the Robl family, Rhett’s wish became a reality— and it was everything his family had hoped for and more. Rhett was mesmerized by the lights and sounds, his face lighting up with wonder at every turn. From enjoying the parades to soaking in the lively atmosphere, Rhett’s joy was contagious. His family watched with full hearts as he experienced the magic of Disney, creating priceless moments they will treasure forever.
For Rhett’s family, this wish was more than a trip; it was a chance to bond, laugh, and celebrate Rhett’s incredible spirit in a way they’ll never forget. They are deeply grateful to the Robl family for making this life-changing experience possible, not only for Rhett but for so many other children. The impact of their generosity will continue to ripple through the lives of families like Rhett’s, bringing joy and hope when it’s needed most
I wish to have the ultimate Harry Potter experience
Witten, 9 nervous system disorder
MEET WITTEN
Witten is an eight-year-old who is described by his family and friends as an amazing, silly, and crazy boy. Even though he can be shy at first, Witten’s love of dancing and music makes him unforgettable. He also enjoys playing with real and stuffed animals, Legos, Minecraft, and spotting rainbows.
After Witten was diagnosed with nervous system disorder in 2023, his seizures affected his speech and fine motor skills. Witten and his family travel to Northern California monthly to obtain the medical care he needs. Depending on how he responds to his treatments and medication regimen, he may have to have brain surgery. This entire medical journey was a big challenge for Witten and his family, as it is discouraging to see so little progress, but Witten maintains an amazing attitude and keeps a positive mindset emotionally and mentally.
Being the biggest Harry Potter fan, Witten wishes to visit Universal Studios in Orlando and be completely immersed in the magical world of Harry Potter! Witten imagines touring
Diagon Alley, where he explores Weasleys’ Magic Shop, chooses his wand from Ollivander’s Wand Shop, and tastes butter beer. This incredible trip that Witten has been patiently waiting for will no doubt boost his spirits before he continues his fight back at home.
Witten is officially back from his wish – and he had a BLAST. Mom said he cried tears of sadness having to leave on their last day and wants to go back every Thanksgiving. He got to experience a magical wand ceremony, a private tour of Diagon Alley, got to meet all the characters he wanted to meet, and even made friends with another Make-A-Wish Nevada kiddo on the same flight.
This wish was pure magic. I wish I could explain to you how much it meant to Witten (and to all of us) to see him smile this much and have the time of his little life. Please tell the Robl family, and everyone on Make-A-Wish staff thank you from us. We love you ALL and are SO grateful for every single one of you.
