Our 9,000th Wish Will Inspire You
My Journey From Cancer…to a Milestone Wish
Get ready to be swept up in the joy of giving. Tucker reflects on the inspiration behind his generous wish — a moment made even more special as it marked our chapter’s 9,000th wish!
“Life is full of surprises—good and bad. When I was diagnosed with cancer at 17, I never imagined anything good could come from it. But on my first night in the hospital, I received a backpack filled with items for teens—a gift from a former wish kid named Harry. He’d included a letter reminding me I wasn’t alone. I felt seen, understood and empowered to believe I’d survive.
Cancer tried to break me down, but helpers like Harry wouldn’t let it. Treatment was brutal. Being away from my home, friends and family felt even harder. To escape reality’s sting, I turned to video games—the only thing that felt normal while I lay in that hospital bed.
When I learned I could make a wish, I wanted to bring hope to other kids fighting illness, like Harry did for me. I wished to provide 11 handheld gaming consoles to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital—one for each oncology room. The Bungie Foundation funded them, and my wish became our chapter’s 9,000th wish granted. A good surprise, for once.
On wish day, my family and I arrived at Mary Bridge with the Starlight gaming consoles. We were surprised to be greeted by signs, cheers and a smiling crowd. I blushed—I’ve never liked the spotlight—but that day, my wish gave me courage. During a program held in my honor, I read a letter for the kids who’d find escape through games, just like I had. Dr. Irwin spoke. So did Penni Maples, our chapter’s co-founder, who told me I’d never fully grasp the ripple effect of my wish.
After cake, we took photos, talked, laughed. We celebrated the helper in each of us. That day, my heart swelled 9,000 times over. The future looks brighter – surprising even me.” – Tucker
Special thanks to The Bungie Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Costco, Penni Maples, Dr. Irwin and wish volunteers, Barbi Hawkins and Brianna Schreeder.
Travel Much? Wish Families Need You!
YOUR MILES, THEIR MEMORIES: IMPACT THAT UPLIFTS
Did you know about 75% of wishes involve airline travel? Donate your Alaska, Delta, United, American, JetBlue and Southwest points or air miles to Make-A-Wish and they’ll never expire for us! You can turn sadness into hope with your donation of airmiles (anytime).
THIS “SWEET 16” CONTINUES SOARING
It’s our 16th year partnering with KOMO 4 News and Lotus Radio to give RISE to our Wishes In Flight FREQUENT FLIER MILEAGE DRIVE! Their ongoing support is more than sweet – it helps kids see past the dark clouds of illness and uncertainty.
FLYING FAR, THANKS TO …
KNDU in the Tri-Cities for hosting an airline miles campaign, bringing awareness to our need for more miles AND volunteers. Become a wish granter and make a difference locally. Contact Lindsey at [email protected] to learn more.
Alaska’s News Source for hosting the MILLION MILEAGE CHALLENGE sponsored by Bailey’s Furniture. Throughout April, they raised 1M miles to give wings to kids who wish to be anywhere but the hospital.
Events You’ll Love
Wish Night Gala & Auction:
Space to Dream 🚀⭐
From a hyperdrive-into-space opening to hearing wish kid, Manny, say, “I wish to touch the moon, because it would complete me,” this year’s Wish Night Gala & Auction skyrocketed beyond $2.4 million. It’s all thanks to YOUR generosity! Guests became “A Sky Full of Stars” as wish alumni Marc sang, Makenna emceed, and Nate reflected on his field of dreams wish, inspiring us to swing BIG for wish kids. ‘Cuz we’re all on team Make-A-Wish!
Special thanks to Board Chair, Alex Ratner, who heightened our chapter’s success with a heartfelt tribute to a beloved supporter – Sally Peyree – reminding guests that each of us is a bright star in the Make-A-Wish community.
Wish Heroes Luncheon
Let’s celebrate a momentous milestone together!
Get all the hope you can handle in just an hour! Enjoy a catered lunch as we celebrate completing our chapter’s 9000th wish – a philanthropic wish that’s sure to have a ripple effect of goodness for kids and our community! Bring your friends and colleagues to connect and fuel up on inspiration. It’s time well spent.
HAPPINESS HOUR!
Back by popular demand 🥂
It’s Happiness Hour somewhere! Look no further – our Spokane and Anchorage events will fill your glass with laughter, libations and HOPE. Mark your calendar, tell your friends and discover the feel-good, give-good event that gets bigger and better each year – full of beer, wine, a catered dinner, wish stories, unique auction items and cheer!
Generous Hearts Spark Smiles
More Than Anime.
This Seattle Partner Blossoms Hope.
“Sakura” means cherry blossom in Japanese. For over two decades, the popular anime convention, Sakura-Con, has hosted a charity auction that gives 100% of its proceeds to Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. Each spring, they host a wish family as a Guest of Honor, treating them like VIPs.
This year, wish kid Ted’s stellar experience caused him to CHANGE HIS WISH to attend Comic-Con! Wish alum and former Sakura-Con Guest of Honor, Katina, donated two paintings, selling for a combined $1,425. With this year’s total reaching $31,962, Sakura-Con has raised over $536,221 since 2001 to help more local kids BLOSSOM WITH HOPE through a wish.
We depend on the generosity of our community to keep wishes going. Have an idea for a FUNdraiser? Email Jessica at [email protected] and see what transpires! Like Sakura-Con, we love creativity!
Three Ways You Can Help Wish Kids Now
1. BECOME A WISHMAKER!
Join a caring community that transforms lives!
Volunteering is flexible, fun and transformative! From airport greets to preparing Ribbons & Bows packages or being on a volunteer team that supports a child through their wish journey, there is a volunteer experience that’s right for you!
2. MAKE SUMMER SWEETER!
Host a LEMONADE STAND and YOUR kids will smile, too.
Help your kids experience the fun of philanthropy while bringing your neighborhood or community group together. Make-A-Wish sets you up for easy, sweet success, including keeping your kids’ math skills intact over the summer.
3. LEAVE A PLANNED LEGACY
Create a PLANNED GIFT
Create a lasting impact for wish kids – now AND in the future – by including Make-A-Wish in your will, life insurance and retirement plans. FreeWill is a FREE online tool that helps you create a legal will in 20 minutes, making it easy to include Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington.
You Bring Our Mission to Life
Will You Join the Village?
When thinking of retirement, you might dream of golfing or gardening, but Jay and Kay have fun volunteering. For about 12 years, this duo has found meaning as wish-granting volunteers Jay says, “Just do it! Take a risk. It’s fun. It makes a difference in the lives of kids and families.” Join the VILLAGE of VOLUNTEERS who bring smiles to local kids fighting critical illness!
Discover how volunteering enhances life for Jay, Kay, and others who give their time to Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington.
Wishes on the Horizon
Your gifts make wishes possible for kids in every corner of Alaska and Washington. Thanks for your support.
Get a sneak peek of a few wishes coming true in a territory near you.
EN 
ES