Maria's Story: ‘You are essential to helping Make-A-Wish carry out this mission’

Maria has a heart for children. Her journey into volunteering for Make-A-Wish® began with a phone call that would change her life. A Make-A-Wish volunteer reached out to her, brimming with enthusiasm and eager to share how more volunteers like Maria could make a difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses.

Maria’s favorite aspect of being a WishMaker is connecting with wish families. One of those instant connections was with Nolan, a child full of energy and fun from the moment they met. When Nolan expressed his wish to be in a rock band, Maria knew exactly what to do. Drawing on her husband’s musical connections and talents, as well as their personal experience of witnessing their own son’s heartfelt wish come true many years ago, she worked with Make-A-Wish to assemble a talented group of WishMakers who, without question, could give Nolan the rock band experience of a lifetime.

“It's important for communities to rally around wish kids like Nolan, because it gives them hope,” Maria said. “It gives them something to look forward to. It's something that they'll always remember.

“Make-A-Wish has been around for 45 years,” Maria added. “You are essential to helping Make-A-Wish carry out this mission.”