Wish parent, volunteer, donor, and all-around WishMaker joins us for this episode of Beyond The Wish. His number one recommendation: take the leap and get involved!

Visit wishmaker.org/illinois to get involved.

Have you ever wondered how wishes are granted? How do families find out about Make-A-Wish? How does a kid decide what their wish is? Who makes that wish a reality? What happens when the wish is over? Learn all of that and more in this special four-part episode.

Last, but certainly not least in this four-part episode, Amy shares the lasting impact of the alumni community.

Alumni Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18ixGBcww9/

Alumni LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13054023/

Visit wish.org/illinois to help grant a wish.

Have you ever wondered how wishes are granted? How do families find out about Make-A-Wish? How does a kid decide what their wish is? Who makes that wish a reality? What happens when the wish is over? Learn all of that and more in this special four-part episode.

In part three, Ariel walks us through the creation phase of the wish journey. The creation team takes a wish from determined to granted, turning its essence into a reality.

To get involved visit wish.org/illinois/get-involved

Have you ever wondered how wishes are granted? How do families find out about Make-A-Wish? How does a kid decide what their wish is? Who makes that wish a reality? What happens when the wish is over? Learn all of that and more in this special four-part episode.

Watch part 1 here: https://youtu.be/n0ANDjfuzd0

Kayla shares the second step of the wish journey, Onboarding & Discovery. In this step, families kick off the wish journey and wish children start to imagine what their perfect wish would be.

Cyrus's wish to be a superhero: https://youtu.be/I-WeD0-8b2I

Join our team of volunteers: wish.org/illinois/get-involved

Have you ever wondered how wishes are granted? How do families find out about Make-A-Wish? How does a kid decide what their wish is? Who makes that wish a reality? What happens when the wish is over? Learn all of that and more in this special four-part episode.

Starting at the beginning, Andrea walks us through the referral process. This is the start of every wish journey, and Andrea is one of the only team members who will interact with every wish.

Learn more about Make-A-Wish Illinois at wish.org/illinois.

If you know a child whose condition may be eligible for a wish, visit wish.org/refer-a-child to start the wish journey.

For medical providers, contact Andrea at ashindeldecker@illinois.wish.org to learn more about how you can refer your patients.

Join us for a journey through time as we sit down with Linda, the first Executive Director and longest standing staff member at Make-A-Wish Illinois. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories of hope, courage, and the power of a wish.

In this special episode, Linda shares her firsthand experiences from the early days of Make-A-Wish Illinois to now. Discover how our chapter grew from Linda in 1988 with a team of 40 volunteers to becoming one of the largest chapters granting over 700 wishes a year with help from 1,000 volunteers.

From heartwarming tales of granted wishes to the challenges faced in scaling the organization, Linda offers a unique perspective on the impact of Make-A-Wish Illinois.

You can grant wishes! Donate today, wish.org/illinois/donate.

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources for topics discussed in this episode

• Legacy gifts to Make-A-Wish Illinois
• Donor Advised Funds
• Gifting stocks

Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 18,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish® with children in all 102 counties across the state.

Life-changing wish journeys are made possible by dedicated staff and more than 1,000 caring volunteers who help each child discover, create, fulfill, and experience the lasting impact of their most heartfelt wish.

Join us for the inaugural episode of Beyond The Wish, where we sit down with Stephanie Springs, the inspiring leader behind Make-A-Wish Illinois. In this heartfelt conversation, Stephanie shares her journey with the organization, shedding light on the profound impact of granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Illinois and how you can get involved, visit wish.org/illinois

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

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