Nicole's
Wish

Nicole opening a few “shed warming” gifts.

This rare, life-threatening condition affects my connective tissues. Even though I’d been living with it my whole life, something about having a name to it made it all feel more finite. I started using crutches and going to physical therapy. Suddenly, I was dealing with the realization that I have a genetic disorder that doesn’t have a cure.   

That’s when Make-A-Wish stepped into my life and brought joy and light along with it.  

My wish helped make up for the fact that my childhood and adolescence were, in a sense, taken from me. I’d spent many of my childhood days bouncing in-and-out of hospitals and appointments; there were days that I wasn’t able to go to school or hang out with friends. My life often felt off balance, but my wish helped me to regain my center.  

Now, I have a space to call my own. It gives me an escape from a world that can be difficult to navigate with the use of mobility aids. It gives me a break from my house that’s become all-too familiar in a time when protecting my compromised immune system is more important than ever.  

I’ll never forget the moment I came home to the surprise that my shed was ready. Seeing my brother and my volunteers and the care they put into making it just right … it was priceless. The space is so cozy and personalized. It’s become my sanctuary, and I love it.   

Make-A-Wish will continue to be part of my life. I’m working on artwork for some fundraisers; I keep in touch with my volunteers. As I further my art career, my shed will give me a place to be creative. And it will always serve as a reminder that I have people in my corner who are cheering me on, even when things are tough. I can’t thank you enough for giving me this incredible, life-changing gift.”  

“Think of a time in your life, an experience you had, that really made you feel joy. And you know that any time afterward, you can go back to that place and have that same feeling.   

That is what wishes provides for kids facing critical illnesses. You’re giving them moments of joy that they can go back to and be in that place when they are going through the hardest time in their lives. Or, they can look forward to the wish that’s coming. You are so important, so needed and so loved by our wish kids, their families and the Make-A-Wish staff. Without you, none of this would be possible!  

I’ll never forget the look on Nicole’s face when we surprised them with their art studio. Nicole was absolutely glowing, just doing 360-degree turns around the room. Every time Nicole turned, they’d notice something else.   

Now, months later, I can still picture Nicole in the studio, feeling happy and feeling good.   

Nicole’s wish will continue to impact their life. Their art studio is going to help them advance in their talents and make them bigger and more creative. And Nicole’s going to use those to do something bigger in the world.”  

Nicole and their amazing MAW volunteers in front of the shed.

You, too, can make wishes like Nicole’s come true!

It’s easier than you think to become a wish-granting volunteer. Check out our newly redesigned online, on-demand training!

Thanks to your incredible giving last year, you transformed our community:

Direct program expenses were low this fiscal year due to a slowdown in wish delivery as a result of COVID restrictions. 

Our annual financial statements are audited by the independent auditing firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and are available upon request at no charge. To receive a copy of the 2021 fiscal year audited financial statements or our 990 report, please contact us at 800.304.WISH or visit our website. 

Special thanks to Nicole and their family for being the stars of our FY21 Gratitude Report. Thanks also to the wish-granting volunteers Carol and Kristen for turning Nicole’s dream into a reality. 

View a full listing of our Board of Trustees and Staff.