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Gratitude Report\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\nFiscal Year 2024<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Ruby’s video” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#fde8aa” transform_scale=”326%|326%” border_color_all=”#000000″ border_width_top=”5px” border_width_bottom=”5px” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/mzJKEwSs2XY?si=D550NeBwPOXunnU2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” transform_scale=”34%|34%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”RubySection” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#fef7e3″ background_enable_video_mp4=”off” background_enable_pattern_style=”on” background_pattern_style=”confetti” background_pattern_color=”#fef7e3″ border_width_bottom=”5px” border_color_bottom=”#000000″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/newsletter.akwa.wish.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GR-Icons.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=” Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ruby is the Hero of Her Own Story<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”Chris Pragraph & Photo” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Chris paragraph” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once upon a time, there was a boy named Christopher. He was an energetic 7-year-old, enjoying life, until he met his nemesis \u2013 leukemia.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n In the dark shadows of illness, Chris discovered his heroic ambition to be a police officer. Because of caring people \u2013\u00a0like YOU<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 his heartfelt wish became reality. Chris found strength through his wish, and so did his community. From that experience, Make-A-Wish was born.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n In 1986, the first draft of our local chapter\u2019s Make-A-Wish story was penned, and it continues on like a beloved book series. The characters change, but the plot remains the same: kids battling critical illness find hope and cheer when Make-A-Wish draws near.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/newsletter.akwa.wish.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chris.png” title_text=”Chris” admin_label=”Chris image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”250px” height=”250px” max_height=”250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Intro to Ruby” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Ruby te” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In these pages, you will discover the story of Ruby \u2013 whose beginning looks nothing like her ending. She has a special word to share with you, hoping it helps you in moments of despair.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Ruby\u2019s wish would not have happened without generous supporters like YOU, so without further ado\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Chapter 1: Yellow Eyes” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” icon_color=”#000000″ toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ admin_label=”Chapter 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”30px” closed_title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”center” closed_title_font_size=”30px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” text_orientation=”left” animation_style=”flip” animation_direction=”right” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”#ffb549″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cRuby\u2019s eyes look so yellow,<\/em>\u201d lamented her mom, Melissa.<\/span><\/p>\n Born with a liver condition that affects about one in 15,000 babies, Ruby had just undergone surgery at eight weeks old to prevent liver failure. Yellow eyes signaled the impending need for a liver transplant.<\/span><\/p>\n Before she turned 4, Ruby spent over 300 days on the donor waitlist. In the hospital, Melissa read to her. Books helped Ruby fall asleep and became an escape from pain.<\/span><\/p>\n Ruby\u2019s parents shared their daughter\u2019s journey on social media, which inspired a young girl to send Ruby a bracelet with the word BRAVE spelled out. Ruby clung to her bracelet with newfound resolve.<\/span><\/p>\n And then the hopeful call came! A match was found. Ruby would receive the life-saving gift of a liver. GRATITUDE sparked a new chapter of healing<\/strong>. Soon after surgery, Ruby\u2019s medical team told her parents about Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, saying, \u201cA wish provides a platform of hope and a new beginning for Ruby.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Inspired by her bracelet and what she learned through enduring illness and waiting, Ruby wished to create a children\u2019s book about her experience to give hope to others facing overwhelming obstacles. Ruby\u2019s story teaches kindness, evokes empathy and inspires others to be brave.<\/span><\/p>\n But how would she get her book into the hands of those who needed it most?<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMake-A-Wish helped us build a story from a place of pain to the place of victory and celebration, which was good closure for her journey. This book was the perfect gift for her.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Gabriel, Ruby\u2019s dad<\/span><\/p>\n THIS IS WHERE YOU ENTER A WISH CHILD\u2019S STORY\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Chapter 2: A Supportive Cast Help Turn the Page” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” icon_color=”#000000″ toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ admin_label=”Chapter 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”30px” closed_title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”center” closed_title_font_size=”30px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” text_orientation=”left” animation_style=”flip” animation_direction=”right” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”#ffb549″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Starting at the hospital hundreds of miles from home and ending in a local bookstore, Ruby\u2019s helpers emerged from within her community. This talented crew carried our heroine from tragedy to triumph.<\/p>\n After the doctors and nurses performed Ruby\u2019s transplant surgery, wish-granting volunteers, Joyce Mullane and Vickie Roig, sought the right people to make Ruby\u2019s wish a reality.<\/p>\n A professional illustrator donated her services and used her artistic abilities to bring Ruby\u2019s cartoon character to life. The Hollace House Publishing & Hollace Writing Services collaborated with Ruby\u2019s family to edit her story.<\/p>\n Owner and founder of Hollace House Publishing, Barbara Hollace, said, \u201cI never dreamed that my gifts and talents would be used to make a difference in the life of a brave little girl. I\u2019m excited to see her grow up and change the world!\u201d<\/p>\n Grey Dog Press published the book. And the Wishing Tree Bookstore in her hometown agreed to host Ruby\u2019s wish celebration and book signing.<\/p>\n Wish volunteer and owner of Alder Photography, Jessica Alderson, offered to capture this momentous occasion, saying, \u201cRuby\u2019s story and thoughtfulness, love and encouragement behind her book really drew me in.\u201d<\/p>\n What she couldn\u2019t capture are the generous supporters behind the scenes \u2013 people like YOU \u2013 who write wishes like Ruby\u2019s into the pages of Make-A-Wish history.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Chapter 3: When Tears and Happiness Collide” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” icon_color=”#000000″ toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ admin_label=”Chapter 3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”30px” closed_title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”center” closed_title_font_size=”30px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” text_orientation=”left” animation_style=”flip” animation_direction=”right” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”#ffb549″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Snow fell. But it didn\u2019t deter the special gathering at The Wishing Tree Bookstore. Ruby\u2019s mom, Melissa, said, \u201cWe kept Ruby\u2019s wish a secret from friends and family. They didn\u2019t know why we invited them there. It was exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n With big brown eyes twinkling like her smile, Ruby strolled with her parents and her baby brother into the bookstore. Her pink dress matched the occasion \u2013 big and beautiful. Balloons, cupcakes and copies of her book graced the entryway.<\/p>\n When Ruby entered, cheers and applause erupted from over 50 guests who showed up to celebrate the brave heroine. Some of Ruby\u2019s medical team drove from Seattle. The Make-A-Wish Spokane staff helped decorate. Local wish volunteers came to support this endearing wish in the making. And Jessica took photos of every little thing, saying, \u201cIt was so beautiful to witness her family and friends there to support her and listen to the book. Ruby was a bit shy but eventually opened up and thoroughly enjoyed her day. Ruby is the sweetest little girl and it was an amazing experience to be a part of her wish. There were a lot of emotions that day!\u201d<\/p>\n Tears fell from more than just Ruby\u2019s mom as she sat Ruby on her lap and read her book, page by page. The cartoon characters implied a fictional story, but this journey reflected a hard, grueling reality. And yet the journey inspired a message of bravery \u2013 a message that brought people together.<\/p>\n Volunteer Vickie Roig reflected, \u201cThe most moving time of the wish came AFTER almost everyone had left. Ruby\u2019s father gathered the Make-A-Wish crew into a circle and asked if he could pray for us. He thanked us for the work we do and asked God\u2019s blessing on all of us and our families. Ruby\u2019s parents were weeping, as were several of us. I\u2019ve been a volunteer for close to 15 years and have never had such a grateful and gracious response to a wish. It was such a tender moment \u2013 one I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n Ruby\u2019s wish day left a mark, like a personalized inscription on a page \u2013 one that reminded everyone of the author\u2019s grit and grace to wish this book into being.<\/p>\n \u201cRuby\u2019s book is life-giving. It\u2019s something she can hold and remember forever. Thank you \u2013 to everyone who had a hand in making her wish come true,\u201d shared Ruby\u2019s mom, Melissa.<\/p>\n Ruby\u2019s mom\u2019s gratitude stretches to you, friend. But this is not the end.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Chapter 4: HOPE\u2026To Be Continued” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#fde8aa” icon_color=”#000000″ toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_icon=”b||divi||400″ admin_label=”Chapter 4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”30px” closed_title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”center” closed_title_font_size=”30px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” text_orientation=”left” animation_style=”flip” animation_direction=”right” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”#ffb549″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Next year marks our 40th anniversary. Our work is far from over. Your steadfast support ensures that we have the necessary resources to deliver the transformational gift of a wish to every eligible child in our territory.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: \u201cIt is an honor and privilege to help someone else. We\u2019re here on earth to make a difference. How you use your gifts and talents to make someone\u2019s life better depends on you.\u201d \u2013 Barbara Hollace, Founder of Hollace House Publishing<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/newsletter.akwa.wish.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GR-Icons-2.png” title_text=”GR Icons (2)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”2024 Fiscal Year – Trustees & Leadership” module_id=”top-menu” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/newsletter.akwa.wish.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Moving-background-3.mp4″ custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” border_color_all=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”5px” transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Trustees & Leadership” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/newsletter.akwa.wish.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1.png\")
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