Arizona stories of hope, strength and joy.
Edition 4: Summer 2014
A community comes together for Logan’s Wish Playground
INSIDE
3 Aiden’s wish gives him “Happy Feet” 5 Wish Ball 2014 raises a record $2.7 million 6 Liam experiences his favorite video game in real life
This spring, Make-A-Wish® Arizona completed one of the largest wishes in its 34 year history – a wish crafted in the mind of 9-year-old Logan. Logan had plenty of time to think about his wish during his recovery from a serious case of strep that destroyed his kidneys, caused gangrene in his leg, his face and his fingers and eventually led to Logan losing his right leg below the knee, his right eye and four fingers on his hands. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Make-A-Wish® Arizona Board of Directors OFFICERS
A Message from the President
Chairman Derrick M. Hall
Arizona Diamondbacks
Vice Chairman Bruce Guest
Arizona Business Bank
Secretary Kathy Bollinger Banner Health
Treasurer S. Todd Jarman BBVA Compass
MEMBERS
Cindy Berger APS
Ronald Butler Ernst & Young
Richard Cassidy RGC Group LLC
Pam Crim
Cox Business
Jon Ferlise Thomas Hatten
Mountainside Fitness
Kenneth Krapf Bank of Tucson
Stephen A. Lenn
Esq., Sacks Tierney P.A.
Joan Lessner
Alliance Bank of Arizona
Ian Lopatin
Spiritual Gangster
Mike Marmis
YAM Capital, LLC
Jennifer Moser
Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations
Michael McQueen
It’s summer time and the living is busy – isn’t that the saying? It is here at the Wish House! We are excited to announce that we are on track to grant another year of record wishes. This summer, our Wish Managers and volunteers are scheduled to grant more than 100 wishes in 100 days. It will be challenging; however, we are excited to meet this milestone to help us grant another record number of wishes this year. Many of our summer wishes involve travel, a way for our wish kids to get away from the physicians and hospitals of Arizona to locations as exotic as the Mediterranean or as entertaining as Walt Disney World® resorts. We couldn’t successfully grant our more than 77 percent of travel-related wishes without generous individuals and companies who want to help us raise funds and airline miles for our kids who “wish to go.” Did you know that your almost expired airline miles can help send a wish kid and their family on their wish experience? You can easily donate your miles at www.arizona.wish.org/miles, especially if you have miles that are going to expire before you can use them.
Elizabeth Reich President/CEO Make-A-Wish® Arizona
Finally, to brag about our incredible events, we had a recent Wish Ball triumph. We sold out with 570 attendees and raised a record $2.7 million thanks to a generous $2 million gift from Bob and Renee Parsons of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. We couldn’t be more excited about what this gift means to our future Arizona wish kids! Thank you for helping make each part of the year a season to remember for Make-A-Wish® Arizona and our wish kids. Have a great summer!
Good Night Pediatrics
Renee Parsons
The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation
Sanat Patel
Crosspoint Capital/AVANA Capital
Gayle Porterfield
Cox Communications
Mike Primorac
Mediant Health Resources
Nicole Pryde-Johnson Lovitt & Touche, Inc.
Jack Roosa Raytheon
Thomas M. Roskos, Jr.
Intravest Development, LLC
William Shroyer
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
Adam Stine
Stine Enterprises
Dawn Valdivia
Honeywell Aerospace
Jameson Van Houten
Stonegate Financial Group, LLC
Marcie White Insight
Mike Yates
Yates Buick GMC
BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS Geoffrey Bruce Kathy McMorris Steve Rendell Barry Shannahan
Interested in becoming a member of Make-A-Wish Arizona Board of Directors? Email Elizabeth Reich at ereich@wishaz.org Make-A-Wish Arizona CEO/President, to find out how.
We are excited to announce the 11th Annual Walk for Wishes, again presented by CheapCaribbean.com. The fun is scheduled for October 5 at Tempe Marketplace. We already have teams signed up who are fundraising to help us grant future Arizona wishes for the more than 300 wish kids who are waiting for their one true wish. You too can sign up by visiting www.arizona.wish.org/walk.
Elizabeth Reich President/CEO Make-A-Wish® Arizona
Aidan has his own “happy feet” after penguin wish experience It’s not often that a wish kid can throw our dedicated Make-A-Wish® Arizona volunteer wish granters off their game with his or her request but Aidan, 9, threw everyone for a loop with a very specific, very unique wish request. Aidan, who is diagnosed with a life-threatening progressive muscle disease, knew how Make-A-Wish worked. His older brother, Samuel, who lives with the same life-threatening progressive muscle disease, recently spent his wish to go at Walt Disney World® resorts with his family. Aidan definitely loved Disney but he also knew that no matter what he wished for, Make-A-Wish Arizona could make it happen. “I wish to be a penguin keeper,” he told them, “because I was born loving penguins.”
That was all it took and soon Aidan and his family headed out to Moody Gardens® in Galveston, Texas, where Aidan started his goal of becoming a penguin keeper. Aidan received a customized penguin keeper uniform, plus a quick lesson in how to keep his favorite birds healthy. He also discovered a few things you can’t learn in books. “I never knew that penguins were so soft,” he said. “They feel like lots and lots of cat fur.” To Aidan, whose wish also happened to be granted on his birthday, the day was perfect. “In the middle of his wish, Aidan turned around and said ‘Mom, I can’t stop smiling. My face is starting to hurt.’ That moment is going to stay with me forever,” said Aidan’s mom Shiloh.
Make-A-Wish Arizona uses donated airline miles for wishes like Aidan’s, who traveled with his family of six to Galveston. You can easily donate your almost expired airline miles online at www.arizona.wish.org/miles.
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I wish to have a neighborhood playground CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
It was during his recovery that Logan’s family was first introduced to Make-A-Wish. “We had heard of Make-A-Wish, but Logan was going to make it so we didn’t think he would qualify,” said Jamie, Logan’s dad. Logan’s need for a kidney transplant made him eligible as a child with a life-threatening, not terminal, diagnosis. Logan’s mind kicked into high gear – what would his wish be? “I wished for a playground to be built in my neighborhood so everyone could play together,” said Logan. “I wanted somewhere my friends and I could go without our moms.” Logan’s playground design incorporated all his favorite things, such as a rock wall and monkey bars, plus some extras for his family. It’s mostly blue, which is Logan and his mom Candy’s favorite color. The plan also included a giant tube slide for his brother Bryce, made orange in honor of his dad Jamie’s favorite Oregon sports team, the Oregon State Beavers. “We were able to fill all of his needs, wants and wishes,” said Jeff Hunter of Sunstate Recreation. Jeff and manufacturer Playcraft Systems crafted a playground for all ages, for all kids.
In addition to Sunstate, more than 10 local companies came together to create Logan’s wish. Some offered services as in-kind donations or at large discounts, which helped complete the 19-day project. “It was very easy to find people in our organization and with our subcontractors to donate, both the materials and labor, to put Logan’s wish in play,” said Keith Hilker, project manager for McCarthy Kiewit, a local construction company. More than 200 volunteers from organizations like McCarthy Kiewit, Gilbert Fire and Rescue and Mountainside Fitness, plus friends from Ashland Ranch Elementary School Roadrunners, and many of Logan’s neighbors, came together for three days to construct the pieces that made Logan’s Wish Playground a reality. “There are many things that Logan can’t do but he can play on a playground,” said Candy. “This is about a year and a half in the making, and it’s great to see him so excited about it.” “I can’t believe it’s finally here,” said Logan on the day of his ribbon cutting. “We are going to play on this every day for the rest of our lives.”
Thanks to the following companies who donated or discounted to build Logan’s wish playground. · Sunstate Recreation · Playcraft Systems · McCarthy Kiewit · Hesscor, Inc. · Sierra Signs Services · United Rentals · Sunburst · CSW Contractors, Inc. · Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group · Border Construction Specialities Does your company want to participate in a wish experience? Contact our Corporate Alliances Director Lee Hartmann at 602-343-9435 or by email at lhartmann@wishaz.org to find out how your company can help make a wish come true. Summer 2014 – 4
Hawaiian wish experience brings Elizabeth’s family together What’s a six hour flight when the destination is Oahu, Hawaii for an entire week? For wish kid Elizabeth, 16, the flight was long, but once she arrived, the week flew by in a whirlwind of activities and new experiences.
With so much to see and do, Elizabeth and her family woke up bright and early each day to visit Oahu’s most famous landmarks. In addition to spending quality time with her family instead of at hospitals and with doctors, Elizabeth was able to do two firsts: swim with dolphins, and learn to surf.
“It was my first trip out of the continental U.S. so I was a little nervous and scared,” said Elizabeth. “I just wanted to get there already!”
Learning to surf was a goal for Elizabeth, and it wasn’t long before she mastered the art.
Elizabeth wished to go to Hawaii so she could spend time with her family and experience a scene different then the desert landscape of Arizona.
“It was my first time surfing and the instructor said I was really good,” said Elizabeth. “I really wanted my own surf board, but there’s no place to really surf in Arizona.”
“The beaches we went to were sparkling, with white sand and so beautiful, and the water was so clear and warm,” said Elizabeth. “It was amazing.”
“It’s kind of hard to pick what was the best part just because there was so much I did and saw,” said Elizabeth. “The whole wish experience was more than what I had imagined.”
Elizabeth’s wish was made possible in part thanks to a sponsorship from Suitcases & More. Both individuals and corporations can participate in our Adopt-A-Wish program. Donate today or visit www.arizona.wish.org/adoptawish for more information.
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Celebrating greatness: We recognize the Volunteers of the Month
KAREN PELTIN FEBRUARY
ERIC NEUGENT MARCH
MISSY GOLDIN APRIL
BRIAN & MONICA LEGGETT MAY
February Volunteer of the Month Karen Peltin joined the Make-A-Wish® Arizona volunteer family in July of 1998, and has spent the last 14 years dedicating her time to granting special and unique wishes.
In 2008, Make-A-Wish Arizona volunteer Eric Neugent, of Wolves Eye Photography, was asked to use his photography skills to capture a Quinceañera wish. Six years later, he continues to bring wishes to life with his photography.
Missy’s first exposure to Make-A-Wish was when a childhood friend was a wish kid. Years passed but Missy knew she had to be involved.
Brian and Monica personally represent the impact a wish fulfilled can have on a wish child for the rest of his life. Diagnosed with cancer at 17, Brian was granted his wish to have a shopping spree almost 22 years ago.
“I was hooked from the day I completed my first wish,” Karen said. “Each wish has a special place in my heart, but the ones that bring the community together for a family are the ones that stick with me the most.”
“After just that one event, I was so moved by what it must have taken for the families to get to their child’s wish,” Eric recalls. “These children have waited a lifetime to be able to forget their medical condition and just be a kid again and enjoy their wish.”
Community-involved wishes remind Karen that amidst the chaos in the world, there are also kind, generous people who give up their time to grant a unique wish
“The pictures I take to capture a child’s blessing is a memory of a lifetime for the families,” he proudly says. “I am so honored to be part of that memory.”
Now, two years and seven wishes later, Missy is hooked on wish granting. “My most memorable wish would probably be my first,” Missy says. “I truly learned the power of a wish by watching the effect it had not only on Cassie, but her entire family. I am elated to hear updates about Cassie learning to drive, getting her first job (where I ran into her!), and thriving in school.”
“I wanted to give back to families like a volunteer did for me and my family,” said Brian. It wasn’t long before Brian’s enthusiasm spread to his wife, Monica. “I wanted to share the experience with Brian and help grant a child’s one true wish,” said Monica. “Our experience has been as fulfilling, if not more fulfilling than having Brian’s own wish granted,” said Brian and Monica.
Experience the impact of a wish firsthand by becoming a wish granter today! Visit www.arizona.wish.org/volunteer for more information or to download our Make-A-Wish® Arizona Volunteer Application.
Wish Ball 2014 presented by GoDaddy raises a record $2.7 million Make-A-Wish® Arizona will be able to fund an additional 360 future wishes in Arizona thanks to generous donors, both individual and corporate, who raised $2.7 million at the 2014 Make-A-Wish Arizona Great Wish Ball presented by GoDaddy. This year, Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons made an impromptu announcement – The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation would double-down its support for the evening. The 570 Wish Ball attendees were challenged to give a little extra knowing that their personal donation would make three times the difference. Summer 2014 – 6
“We are so pleased that Bob and Renee believe in bringing their special brand of hope to our Arizona wish kids,” said Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “It is only through the generosity of many that Make-A-Wish is able to have such a remarkable impact on the lives of Arizona wish kids and their families,” said Bob Parsons. “If by doubling-down and having a little fun during the auction we are able to inspire additional gifts to help give hope to these amazing kids, you better believe we are going to do it.”
Liam meets the “real guys” behind his favorite video game Wish kid Liam, 10, had a unique wish. He wished to meet the “real guys” behind the Call of Duty game. Liam, who was going through treatment for cancer, has spent many days in bed, playing video games. His favorite? “Definitely Call of Duty,” said Liam. “I like the Army men because they protect our country and save people.”
“I’ve been planning wishes for almost 8 years, and Liam’s wish has definitely been one of the best I’ve been involved in,” said Dana Snyder, Wish Manager. “The best part was how the Army guys treated Liam like he was the hero, completely bending over backwards to make his wish day special.”
So, when it came to his wish, Liam didn’t even hesitate; he knew he wanted to meet the “real guys” that were in his favorite video game Call of Duty.
Liam’s day started at Papago Army National Guard base in Phoenix, where he received his “orders” for the day. He sat in Blackhawk helicopters, and saw them take off and land. He made it through a Hummer roll-over simulator and tried his Call of Duty skills in a simulated firing range.
Enter the “real guys” (and women) of the Arizona Army National Guard.
“The Army men are tough and strong,” said Liam. “I really had a lot of fun, being at the base and trying all of the simulators.” Near the end of the day, he was taken to a hangar for a special “secret” ceremony, where he was greeted with a standing ovation by 60-70 Army members saluting him. There, Liam was officially recognized as a member of the Guard, complete with the special honors and recognitions that the service gives to heroes, but with an added bonus—cake and all of the Army attendees singing “Happy Birthday”. “Throughout the day, Army members welcomed him and gave him badges they had earned – directly off their uniforms,” said Snyder. “It was so incredible.” “My wish day was more than I had imagined it to be,” said Liam. “Thank you Arizona Army National Guard for letting me have this day and being part of my wish.
You too can help grant wishes like Liam’s. Donate today or visit our website at www.arizona.wish.org/ways-to-help for additional ways to help.
Summer 2014 – 7
Make-A-Wish® Arizona 711 East Northern Ave Phoenix, AZ 85020
wishaz.org | 602.395.9474 facebook.com/makeawishaz twitter.com/makeawishaz youtube.com/makeawishaz
Get your team together and Walk for Wishes! It’s coming! The 11th Annual Make-A-Wish Arizona Walk for Wishes presented by CheapCaribbean.com is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. at Tempe Marketplace. The event includes a 3k fun run/walk and a 1 mile fun run/walk. Registration is easy, online and free! You can register your team today or join one of our many wish kid teams to raise funds and support future Arizona wish kids. Visit www.arizona.wish.org/walk to register. Make sure to pick one of our Walk for Wishes Wish Kid Ambassadors as inspiration for your team, or use your own favorite wish kid story! Top fundraiser and fundraising team will receive wish kid art awards, plus, every registered participant that raises $100 receives an 11th Annual Make-A-Wish Arizona Walk for Wishes presented by CheapCaribbean.com t-shirt! Make-Wish Arizona has set a goal of $250,000 in fundraising. Help us reach that goal by starting your team today!
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PRESENTED BY
8 AM TEMPE MARKETPLACE 3K OR 1 MILE RUN/WALK REGISTER NOW!
www.arizona.wish.org