Magnus'
Wish
Summer 2020
Magnus’ wish shines, thanks to stars like you
Whether you’re a donor, volunteer or a community member, you made the stars align for 13-year-old Magnus and his family in ways they never imagined. Wishes, like Magnus’, need stars like you.
If a child you loved was facing a critical illness, what would you give to make their wish come true? By helping to grant a wish, you can make the stars align and be a light of hope and joy for a child in your community today.
Photo Courtesy of Hero Creative
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Local founder’s legacy lives on
To say Deanna Cleaveland knows Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington would be an understatement. Deanna’s late husband, Bob, co-founded the local chapter in 1986; she’s been around since it was just a few volunteers and an answering machine in the Cleaveland’s spare bedroom.
Deanna and Bob continued to support the organization in many ways over the years, cheering on the growth and success as Make-A-Wish became a household name.
Now, almost 35 years later, Deanna’s commitment to Make-A-Wish is as strong as ever. Just a few years ago, she became an airport greet volunteer, helping send families off for their wish trips and welcome them back home. She likes the variety and flexibility, and that she can participate on different days and times of year.
Photo Courtesy of Henry Alva
Being a wish-granter is bigger than us as individuals,” said Deanna. “When you give to Make-A-Wish, you are making memories for wish children and their families. That is the greatest gift you can give anybody. I know because I treasure all of the memories Bob gave me.”
– Deanna Cleaveland
“What we’re giving wish kids is intangible,” she said. “It’s lasting. It’s memory making. It’s the most precious gift we can give.”
Last fall, Deanna decided to raise $7,500 in honor of what would have been Bob’s 75th birthday. With the help of family, friends and acquaintances near and far, she nearly doubled her goal. “I couldn’t wait to get up every morning and see who donated,” Deanna said. “Every single dollar raised was so precious to me and such a tribute to Bob and his legacy. It was my great pleasure to match each donation.”
There are so many ways you can engage with Make-A-Wish, just like Deanna!
Contact Sophie Boyer to learn more.
Make a lasting difference when you make a gift of cash or stock, or through your donor-advised fund. You can also donate your vehicle or airline miles.
Create enduring memories for wish children by including Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington in your will or estate plan.
See first-hand the difference wishes make when you become a volunteer.
Raise essential funds for wish children through an online fundraiser, by hosting an event or putting on a fundraiser with your kids.
You can give wings to wishes like Julian’s
When Make-A-Wish called, there was no question what eight-year-old Julian’s wish would be. Within minutes of meeting his wish-granting volunteers, he declared, “When do I get to go to Alaska and be a seaplane pilot?!” Julian has loved seaplanes for as long as his parents can remember.
The family visits various places in Seattle to watch seaplanes, and occasionally event needs to pull his wheelchair back so that he doesn’t topple into the water while trying to get a closer view. Julian brings up their upcoming wish trip to Alaska at least once a week.
For Julian’s parents, the chance to see him participate in something unrestricted by his illness is pure joy. Julian’s dad said, “We’re so thrilled that when he returns to school in the fall, and is asked what he did this summer, he will have an answer that he’s excited about!”
Now, Julian is counting down the days until his seaplane adventure. And he’s not alone. Right now, there are more than 500 kids waiting to receive their wishes. Kids like Julian have had their wishes put on hold due to COVID-19, and we’re gearing up to grant them as soon as it’s safe to do so. Can you help?
You can help the stars align for kids like Julian when you help grant a wish today.
Thank you for supporting the place Where Love Grows
“Ainsley’s wish has been a profound impact for us,” said wish dad Kato.
Our community recently had the chance to hear how when Kato shared Ainsley’s story as part of virtual Wish Night® Gala & Auction. Funds raised through the online event will support our efforts to grant a wish to every eligible child in Alaska and Washington.
We are so grateful to all those who gave in honor of hearing Ainsley’s wish story. We invite you to give hope and joy to a child who needs a wish in your community today.
If you would like to help grant wishes for kids like Ainsley, you can donate online today.
Kaden’s wish continues to inspire, a decade later
More than 10 years ago, Kaden spent Thanksgiving dinner eating turkey with Mickey Mouse during his Make-A-Wish trip. The experience was miles away from the medical treatments and hospital stays Kaden endured while fighting for his life with one of the rarest genetic liver diseases in the world.
Kaden’s experience of a wish come true was one of the first steps toward finding normalcy after receiving a liver transplant.
Now a freshman in high school, Kaden still has medical challenges, but he looks back on his wish as just what he needed to bring hope for a brighter future. Today he’s living life to the fullest — running cross country, playing in the jazz band and participating in robotics.
Kaden and his family are part of our Wish Family Alumni program, a place where families agree with Kaden’s mom, Cindie, that, “Make-A-Wish is lifelong. It stays with you forever.” Are you a wish family or know a wish family that would like to join our Wish Family Alumni program?
Kaden’s wish, 10 years ago, helped bring him hope for a brighter future.
Volunteers like Ken — who is granting his 400th wish! — help make wishes possible for kids like Kaden.
Now, Kaden is part of our Wish Family Alumni program — a place for wish families to connect
with Make-A-Wish and each other.
Mark your calendars
Save the date, October 22, 2020, for WOW: Wonder of Wishes.
Join us online for this virtual event as we highlight 35 years of game-changing Mariners wishes. We’ll livestream the event so anyone can join, near or far!
Official Airline Sponsor
Wish Champion Sponsor
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