Todd's Story: Rallying a Community of WishMakers to Give Nolan a Rock and Roll Wish

Todd is a life-long musician. When his wife, Maria – who is a Make-A-Wish volunteer – asked him to help grant Nolan’s wish to be in a rock band, Todd was amped-up by the opportunity.

“If anybody is asking you to get involved with Make-A-Wish, there's a reason,” Todd said. “So don't doubt yourself. Don't doubt what you can bring to the table – just bring it.”

Ready to rock and roll, Todd booked his connections. “I simply made some phone calls to some wonderful musicians," he said. Many had endured medical battles themselves, so they were empathetic to Nolan’s struggles and ecstatic to get him a gig – and they were nothing short of amazed by the 5-year-old’s eclectic playlist and stage presence. “He has such a gregarious attitude about himself, and he's so confident in who he is.”

On Nolan’s wish day, the entire community jammed together.

Todd says it’s a “no-brainer” for individuals to become WishMakers and support local children with critical illnesses. His own experience is a testament to the idea that, regardless of what you can offer, there is a meaningful role for you at Make-A-Wish.

"I'm no more special than anybody else, but I had that little bit of a gift I could give … It made all of our lives that much more rich.”