Gratitude Report

Fiscal Year 2023

MEET THE WISHMAKER TEAM

It took a community to grant Jackson’s wish, and a dedicated team of WishMakers to bring his dream to life. Each of these incredible individuals played a key role in Jackson’s wish. From his wish granters who met with their family during Jackson’s cancer journey to the Seattle Kraken, who pulled out all the stops.

“The whole experience was surreal for all of us,” said Everett, Jackson’s dad. “I knew it would be amazing, but it exceeded my expectations in every way. We are now a hockey family, and because of Make-A-Wish, we are part of the amazing Kraken family. It was an invaluable experience that will last a lifetime.”

Wishes aren’t possible without people like YOU!

JACKSON’S JOURNEY TO SKATE ON THE ICE

When Jackson was diagnosed with leukemia, his world — and his family’s — turned upside down. Jackson immediately began chemotherapy and was hospitalized for a month undergoing life-saving cancer treatment.

During some of their darkest days, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington came into their lives and gave Jackson hope for brighter days ahead. While in the hospital, he thought about all the things he could wish for, and his dad and mom told him to dream big. So, he did.

He loved hockey. The Seattle Kraken was a budding team at the time, but Jackson knew what he wanted. He wished to skate on the ice with the Seattle Kraken.

Cancer treatment was incredibly grueling and made Jackson very weak. When he left the hospital, he could barely walk. His wish helped give him strength though. It was something to look forward to — something to reach toward. Every step he regained was a step toward his dream. When his wish finally came true, it was more than his family could have ever imagined.

“Wishes aren’t just nice; they are so much more than that. They have real, tangible impacts on lives. They bring joy when life is dark. They forge deep, meaningful connections so kids and families in the depths of illness know they are loved and cared for and not in this fight alone. … I have seen the difference that wishes make firsthand and I’m so grateful to every single person who played a role in making my son’s wish come true.”
Everett, Jackson’s Dad

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS

Sonja and Julia are a dynamic wish-granting duo, having completed more than two dozen wishes together. When they met Jackson and his family, they walked alongside them throughout Jackson’s medical journey and helped keep his wish front and center when he needed strength to keep fighting.

Sonja and Julia were Seattle Kraken fans before Jackson’s wish, but now, they are fans for life.

READ SONJA'S LETTER TO THE KRAKEN

Dear Seattle Kraken,

I cannot even begin to show and express my gratitude for everything you all did to make Jackson’s wish come true.  You not only made his wish come true, but you also went above and beyond, more than anything anyone could have ever imagined!  

Everyone was filled with so much excitement, love, and compassion for Jackson and family. The weekend was life changing and will never ever be forgotten. You created memories for Jackson’s family and even us as volunteer wish grantees that were incredible and meaningful. 

Thank you for everything you did for Jackson and his family.  

Thank you to the players who came out to the arena and spent time with Jackson and all of us on the ice.  Everyone had such a great time.  As a volunteer I stood back and watched. To see all the smiles and laughter out on the ice was touching.  The memories you all provided were amazing! Your time and your support are appreciated more than you know!  

Forever a Seattle Kraken fan,

Sonja

GETTING INVOLVED

Devin Donskoi was nine months pregnant when she found out her husband, hockey player Joonas Donskoi, would be joining the Seattle Kraken roster. In just six weeks, she’d be on her way to Washington. She had a lot on her mind — finding a home, preparing for the birth of their first child, orienting to a new city. But there was something else she knew she wanted to do. She researched children’s charities in the area and came across Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.

“I reached out right away and wanted to get involved,” said Devin.

She signed up to be a wish-granting volunteer and soon after found out about Jackson’s wish.

The timing was serendipitous. Jackson was the Seattle Kraken’s first wish, and Devin, being the wife of a Seattle Kraken player, had a few special connections.

Devin and the Seattle Kraken went above and beyond to make Jackson’s wish unforgettable.

“It was the best day ever,” said Jackson.

His wish kicked off at the Kraken Community Iceplex where he got to meet the team and skate with them after their practice. He also got to tour the facility, eat with the team, and he was outfitted with his very own goalie gear, gifted to him by his favorite player, Phillip Grubauer. Once he was suited up, he took his official Kraken headshot for his rookie card.

After skating with the team, he was whisked out of the facility and greeted by a crowd of cheering fans holding signs with his name. He then went to Dave and Buster’s and Nordstrom where he picked out a custom suit for his big entry to the Seattle Kraken game the following day.

“I have so many favorite memories from Jackson’s wish,” said Devin. “I will always remember his big smile and the way the team embraced him as one of their own. These children endure so much. Being able to grant wishes for children like Jackson is so impactful.”

On game day, Jackson made a stylish entrance, walking through the player tunnel at Climate Pledge Arena, in his new suit. More surprises kept coming when he was given a one-day contract and joined the Seattle Kraken team as a goalie. Jackson must have been good luck because the Seattle Kraken beat the Vancouver Canucks. It was more than Jackson could have wished for, and he was awarded the coveted Davy Jones hat after the big win — an honor awarded to the player of the game.

Joonas said his favorite part of being a professional hockey player is being able to make experiences like Jackson’s possible. “I’m so grateful. This is my favorite part of being a hockey player is making kids happy and seeing their joy on their face,” said Joonas.

You can relive Jackson’s Wish with the Kraken below!

YOUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

Thank you for your generosity. Because of you our chapter granted 113 wishes for kids coming to our region in FY23 (that is on top of the 406 wishes we granted for local kids).

406 wishes came true for children in Alaska and Washington.

wish experiences were created in our territory for children from around the world.

new wish referrals were received by our local office

volunteers dedicated countless hours to turn wishes into reality.

Statement of Activities


Revenues, Gains and Other Support	$10,053,331
Program Expenses	$7,676,074
Fundraising	$1,082,673
Management and General	$2,178,071
Total Expenses	$10,936,818
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	($ 883,487)

To receive a copy of our 990 report, please contact us at 800.304.WISH or visit our website.

A MONUMENTAL YEAR

Every wish is unique and special. Wishes provide children with critical illnesses hope, joy and strength.

Wishes like Jackson’s are memories for a lifetime — and dreams brought to life.

Last year, we granted the most wishes in our chapter’s history; we onboarded more volunteers; we received more referrals than ever before. We celebrated a record-breaking year filled with monumental milestones. But these milestones also mean we need you now more than ever.

More children are wishing to travel, and our airline miles are grounded. More children are being referred. More children in our communities need you. Donate airline miles at wishesinflight.akwa.wish.org

You have the power to transform the lives of children with critical illnesses.
Will you join our team of WishMakers?

You, too, can make wishes like Jackson’s come true!
Visit wish.org/akwa/volunteer to start your volunteer journey.

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