The Wishletter Arizona stories of hope, strength and joy Edition 3: Fall 2015
JAZMIN, 15
cancer
I wish to receive a blessing from the Pope INSIDE 3 NISSA BECOMES A
Jazmin’s faith helps inspire a unique wish experience When 15-year-old Jazmin was diagnosed with stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma, an extremely rare form of stomach cancer, she knew she had a tough decision. Treatment would remove vital organs and leave Jazmin deaf, immobile and unable to speak. No treatment would mean maybe six months to live. Jazmin looked to her faith and determined that quality of life not quantity of life, was the right decision.
VOLUNTEERS
“I decided not to undergo treatment,” said Jazmin. “I believe in the Lord our God and my decision was made knowing He would look out for me.”
BE YOUR LEGACY
Secure in her faith and in her decision, Jazmin took it one step
ROCK STAR AT THE VANS WARPED TOUR
5 RECOGNIZING OUR
6 WILL WISH GRANTING
further when she was contacted by Make-A-Wish Arizona. Her wish – to receive a blessing from the Pope – was a way to create lasting memories her family could hold on to during the tough times ahead. “I wished for something that could bring me both spiritual and mental healing,” Jazmin said. “I wanted to have an experience that could ease my confusion and fears, and provide my family with the peace we needed.” Within two weeks, Jazmin and her family set off on a trip to Italy. continued on pg. 6
Elizabeth Reich
Make-A-Wish® Arizona
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President/CEO Make-A-Wish® Arizona
OFFICERS CHAIRMAN
Tom Hatten Mountainside Fitness
VICE CHAIRMAN
Jennifer Moser Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations
SECRETARY
Nicole Pryde-Johnson Lovitt & Touché, Inc.
TREASURER
Todd Jarman BBVA Compass Bank
MEMBERS
Catherine Anaya 4Hearts Media Rick Collins Ryan Companies US., Inc. Ajit Itty, M.D. Scottsdale Emergency Associates Kenneth Krapf Bank of Tucson Helen Johnson Insight Stephen A. Lenn, Esq. Sacks Tierney P.A. Joan Lessner Alliance Bank of Arizona Ian Lopatin Spiritual Gangster Kaleim Manji Spear Education Mike Marmis Yam Capital, LLC Michael McQueen, M.D. Good Night Pediatrics Renee Parsons The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation Sanat Patel Crosspoint Capital/AVANA Capital Jay Petkunas The Wolff Company Gayle Porterfield Cox Communications Mike Primorac Mediant Health Resources J.J. Putz Arizona Diamondbacks Jack Roosa Raytheon Adam Stine Stine Enterprises Tina Marie Tentori APS Dawn Valdivia Honeywell Aerospace Jameson Van Houten Stonegate Capital Advisors
A Letter From the President Make-A-Wish Arizona has entered our new fiscal year with a great foundation for growth and we are excited! This year it is our goal to grant 1 wish a day – that’s 365 wishes in one fiscal year, an alltime record for our chapter. We are able to continue to increase the number of wishes we grant thanks to 1 very important item – you. As a donor to Make-A-Wish Arizona, you have enabled our chapter to grow both rapidly and responsibly over the last five years thanks to your generosity and support. Now, we look toward our new campaign, 1 wish a day, with the hope that we can continue to build awareness of the value of a wish to a child with a life-threatening medical condition. In this newsletter, you will read four inspirational stories, each of which demonstrates that a wish is not 1 special day, 1 special moment or 1 special activity. A wish is a life-changer – an experience that a child carries in their heart, mind and soul long after the wish is completed. And it is not just the child who is affected. I encourage you to visit our website to see the many new stories of families, communities and organizations
Sandra Watson Arizona Commerce Authority Mike Yates Yates Buick GMC
Interested in becoming a member of the Make-A-Wish Arizona Board of Directors? Email Elizabeth Reich at ereich@arizona.wish.org to find Fallout 2015 more. – 2
Granting 365 wishes in one fiscal year.
coming together to help create amazing wish experiences. The testimonials we get from wish participants illustrate how a wish is like a pebble in a lake – it’s impact has a ripple effect on everyone the wish touches. This year, Make-A-Wish Arizona will concentrate on 1 wish a day. We will look for 1 opportunity to make each wish a true reflection of the child. We will encourage donors to look for 1 reason to give. And, we will work hard for our 1 chance to bring hope, strength and joy to more children than ever before. Thank you for being 1 thing our chapter and our wish kids can count on. We look forward to sharing our milestones with you as we work toward our goal of 1 wish a day. Best wishes,
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wish kids. A typical wish costs $7,500 and more than 30
l if e ti m
percent of each wish is in-kind donations. Consider how you can help our wish kids through in-kind donations by visiting arizona.wish.org for the Ways to Help page.
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NISSA, 18,
Like with Nissa’s wish, partnerships are important to our
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life-threatening sickle cell disease
I wish to be a rock star Nissa is ready for the big stage on her wish day.
Nissa has always been a singer. She has performed for audiences of one or two (her parents or friends), maybe even five or six people at small family gatherings. But for her wish to be a rock star, the audience expanded as 18-yearold Nissa’s wish of becoming a rock star came true in front thousands at the Vans Warped Tour! It started in the middle of a transfusion she was receiving for her life-threatening sickle cell disease. That’s when Make-AWish Arizona reached Nissa to say her wish – to perform live with her favorite band, the Black Veil
Brides – would be granted. “At first they didn’t tell me where I would be singing,” she said. “When I found out I would be performing at Warped Tour in my hometown I was so excited! I couldn’t believe it!” Warped Tour is the largest travelling music festival in the country, featuring local artists and various genres of music. Nissa received the full Warped Tour VIP treatment, complete with backstage passes, singing lessons, media interviews and a personal photographer. A tour bus transported Nissa and her “entourage” (aka her family and best friend) to the concert venue, where they received a private backstage tour before the doors were even open to the public. “I really want to pursue a music career when I grow up so it was so amazing to have this opportunity,”
she said. “I’ve never performed in front of a crowd before so it was really nerve-wracking. But I already knew the words to all the Black Veil Brides’ songs so that made me feel more at ease.” Once Nissa finally took the stage and started singing, she felt the rush of performing. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” she said. “Make-AWish Arizona really did anything and everything to make sure my wish was granted and I’m so happy I have this memory.” Nissa says her wish inspired her to embrace her passion for music and do what she loves. “When you are presented with an opportunity like this I’ve learned you have to completely go for it,” she said. “I’m so thankful for this experience.” Fall 2015 – 3
Make-A-Wish Arizona offers companies many
Corporate Giving page.
LUCAS, 11,
1 wi sh :
wish kids. Visit arizona.wish.org and look for our
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opportunities to adopt the wishes of Arizona
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life-threatening lung disease and cerebral palsy
I wish to have a backyard splash pad
For almost every child in Arizona, summer means pool time and lots of it!
so he can crawl around in the water and a large umbrella shade to protect him from the sun. Shasta also added a couple of customized water features through a partnership with My Splash Pad, like a water spout decorated with Lucas’ favorite character, Elmo.
It’s no different for 11-year-old Lucas, who loves to be in the water but, due to his life-threatening lung disease and cerebral palsy, he cannot swim in his family pool without lots of help.
“Lucas’ face when he saw the water shoot up was perfect,” said Lisa, Lucas’ mom. “Now he has a place to play every day. I think we are going to have a hard time getting him out of it.”
Enter Make-A-Wish Arizona and corporate partner Shasta Pools.
This splash pad wish day brought some joy into Lucas’ life. Born prematurely at 23 weeks, Lucas’ spent the first three months of his life in the hospital. His cerebral palsy diagnosis has led to additional complications and hospitalizations, including his
Lucas’ splash pad comes to life thanks to Shasta Pools.
Together, they worked with Lucas and his family to design a custom splash pad that would merge his love of the water with his physical needs, such as cushioned flooring Fall 2015 – 4
current lung disease. But that does not stop Lucas from enjoying time with his twin sister, Katelyn, and his family. “It is such a joy to hear him giggle and know he loves his wish,” said volunteer wish granter Czerina Harvey. “I can see that this truly is the perfect wish for him!” “To know there are companies out there that work to make wishes like this happen, it’s great to see,” said Lisa. “We are so appreciative of everything everyone has done to make Lucas’ wish come true.”
Volunteer of the Month
We are honored to have more than 660 volunteers throughout the state helping to support our 1 wish a day campaign as we work to grant 365 wishes this fiscal year in Arizona. Our thanks to these special 2015 Honorees for Volunteer of the Month for their dedication to our vision to grant 1 wish a day!
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Karla said the most memorable wish she’s granted has been a wish to meet a Disney princess. “Witnessing the moment my wish kid learned she would be meeting a real princess was just magical!” said Karla. “For that time, nothing else mattered and her imagination became a reality.”
“I finally decided I was at a place where I could give back to the organization that gave my daughter so much,” Ruby said. “It takes a lot from you when you lose a child but now, I get to give to others through the organization that gave to me and my daughter.” Genesis Othon, July Genesis had heard about Make-A-Wish before he became a Make-AWish Arizona wish granter. Now, he can’t imagine volunteering in any other way. “Granting a wish is truly amazing,” says Genesis. “MakeA-Wish Arizona is the light of a very dark moment for a kid. For us volunteers to be able to be a part of making those wishes come true is just the greatest feeling and that’s why I continue to grant wishes.”
“You see their happy face when their wish comes to life!” says Genesis. “This is a feeling that I’ve never experienced before in life, and it makes me feel proud that I have the ability to help these kids.”
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If Genesis had to pick a favorite, he says he really enjoyed granting 14-year-old Sebastian’s wish to meet The Pope in Rome.
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Ruby
When one of Ruby’s friends encouraged her to participate in Walk For Wishes last fall, she signed up in honor of Gracie. After her experience at the Walk, Ruby decided to try to be a wish granter volunteer.
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Ruby Reyes, August Ruby Reyes established a connection with Make-A-Wish Arizona long before she was a volunteer. “My daughter, Gracie, was a wish kid before she passed away,” said Ruby. “She wished to have a shopping spree because that was always her favorite thing to do.”
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“Every time a wish kid would share their experience with me, their face would light up with joy,” said Karla. “It makes me very happy to see kids so excited about their wish, even during tough treatments.”
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Karla Velazquez, September Karla decided to become a wish granter because she wanted to help kids dealing with serious illnesses. Working at Tu Nidito in Tucson, Karla has met many wish kids and realizes the impact a wish can have.
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help us grant wishes in Arizona! Visit arizona.wish.org/volunteer to apply today! Fall 2015 – 5
Will wish granting be your Legacy? planned gift such as a bequest in your will or trust, a life insurance designation or stock donation. Planned gifts can also be made by adding Make-A-Wish Arizona as a percentage beneficiary of your IRA, 401k or life insurance. A deferred gift can help you balance your financial goals and your charitable interests, all while possibly achieving significant tax benefits.
Make-A-Wish Arizona has created a legacy of wishes that stretches around the globe as the founding chapter of Make-A-Wish. Please help support the legacy of Make-A-Wish Arizona with a
By designating Make-A-Wish Arizona as the recipient of a planned gift, you will be enrolled in our Legacy of Wishes Society. Among your fellow members will be Linda Pauling, the mother of Chris Greicius, the very first wish child, and one of the founding members of Make-A-Wish.
“I designated Make-A-Wish Arizona in my will because this organization has to go on,” said Pauling. “Not for me or for Chris but for the sake of the wish kids and their families. The true legacy of Make-A-Wish is the kindness, the giving from the heart, that donors, communities, families and others give to make wishes come true. That is why I joined the Legacy of Wishes Society. Because this organization has to go on for the kids.” Join Linda and the others who have committed to creating a legacy of wishes. Email Karny Stefan, Chief Development Officer at kstefan@arizona.wish.org or call 602-343-9440.
JAZMIN, 15,
cancer
I wish to receive a blessing from the Pope continued from cover “No other organization would be able to do this for a complete stranger, especially with the concerns of my health.” said Jazmin. “I never would have been able to experience something like this without Make-A-Wish Arizona.” Once Jazmin arrived in Italy, she was blessed by The Pope at a mass in St. Peter’s Square. “It was bittersweet because the experience cured me spiritually, even if it couldn’t cure me physically,” said Jazmin. “I believe The Pope is the next step to God, so his touch really brought me peace.” Jazmin also visited a Vatican Fall 2015 – 6
1 wi sh :
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church to receive her final anointing of the sick sacrament, and the family attended a private Mass. “I’m so grateful Make-A-Wish Arizona has given me and my family this opportunity,” Jazmin said. “I am so thankful I’ve felt the healing power and strength of The Pope and that I could receive this gift.” Before returning home, Jazmin and her family took time to tour Italian landmarks like the Vatican museum and the Colosseum. They also enjoyed lots of pizza and gelato. “This whole experience taught me that even with a terminal illness, you can really have anything you
wish for in life,” said Jazmin. “I hope my story helps people appreciate what they have and I want them to be inspired to do everything they set their mind to.” Jazmin’s wish has inspired thousands of people through our social media channels and television interviews. You can help future wish kids like Jazmin by donating today at arizona.wish.org/donate.
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TAPANGA, 18,
You too can make a difference in the life of a child by donating your airline miles for wish kids like Tapanga who wish to go on big adventures. Visit arizona.wish.org/miles for more information.
cancer
I wish to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
Tapanga’s wish to see the Northern Lights opened her eyes to a life without limits Tapanga was just finishing up her junior year of high school when doctors found a small tumor in her foot. Initially thought to be a cyst, she and her family were shocked to learn it was a form of sarcoma. Choosing the course of treatment that gave her the greatest chance of complete recovery, Tapanga’s foot was amputated that July 2014.
“I remember thinking of everything I wasn’t going to be able to do,” says Tapanga. “I was afraid I wouldn’t get to graduate from high school because I’d miss too many classes. I wasn’t sure what limits my life was going to have.” This past March, Tapanga’s wish to travel with her family to see the Northern Lights in Alaska was granted. “I had always loved the idea of visiting Alaska, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle traveling so far and doing everything,” Tapanga says. “But the trip made me realize that my life isn’t going to be as limited as I thought.” Tapanga’s wish experience reads like
many people’s bucket lists. She viewed the lights from a mountaintop two nights in a row, calling it a spiritual, alienlike experience that words can’t describe. She also went snowmobiling, experienced a dogsled ride and learned about carving ice sculptures from a master carver at the nearby ice museum. “Knowing that I had just been through a major medical procedure that kept me off my feet for five months before getting fitted for my prosthetic and learning to walk with it,” says Tapanga. “This trip showed me that I could still go out and have a really fun time!” 2014 – 7 Fall 2015
2901 North 78th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Arizona.wish.org 602.395.9474 Facebook “f ” Logo
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Matching gift means your donation could double! Make-A-Wish Arizona received a special $300,000 matching gift from a generous donor that will allow all gifts from new donors or increased donations from last year to have twice the impact on wishes for kids with life threatening medical conditions. What kinds of gifts qualify to be matched and have double the impact? It’s simple:
• If it’s been a year or more since you donated to Make-A-Wish Arizona, your gift will be matched!
• If you are increasing your gift from last year, that increased amount will be matched!
You can also help by sharing the news about this matching opportunity with your friends and family who are interested in supporting future Arizona wish kids. Their donation will be doubled as part of this $300,000 goal.
Double the impact you have on the life of an Arizona wish kid – donate today! Fall 2015 – 8