Lena’s Story: ‘My wish truly impacted me and changed my life’

Nolan's wish to be in a rock band

Not only is Lena a Make-A-Wish volunteer, she is also a wish alum who, 10 years after receiving a wish, has gone on to thrive and Wish-It-Forward for others.

I knew I wanted to give back to an organization that made such an impact on me as a child. I became a wish granter as soon as I was old enough – and I was hooked.

As a volunteer, Lena understands just how crucial every resource is to making wishes come true. Therefore, she also fundraises and speaks at events to recruit more WishMakers to the Make-A-Wish mission. She finds joy in granting wishes, and while now in remission from a gastrointestinal disorder, she can closely relate to the difficult medical journeys that today’s wish kids are enduring. “They're so inspirational to me … It's truly an honor to get to work with these little heroes and grant their wishes.”

Lena credits her wish experience as a “driving factor” in many life decisions, including her pursuit of a master’s in social work so that she can one day refer even more children like Nolan to Make-A-Wish.

“My wish truly impacted me and changed my life … If you're a wish alum like me, I encourage you to become a WishMaker and Wish-It-Forward.”

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