Helen’s Story: Personal Experience Leads to Supporting Wish-Granting Through Chi Omega

As a passionate member of Chi Omega, Helen’s mission goes beyond sisterhood – she’s determined to transform the lives of children with critical illnesses. Through her chapter’s partnership with Make-A-Wish, Helen helps raise crucial funds to grant life-changing wishes. Eager to amplify her impact even more, Helen quickly stepped into the role of philanthropy chair.

“I got to plan all the [fundraising] events on campus,” Helen said. “The energy [at events] is infectious. It creates a community across campus. It’s really inspiring.”

Helen’s connection to Make-A-Wish is deeply personal. Diagnosed with pediatric cancer nearly a decade ago, she knows firsthand what it feels like to be granted a wish. That experience drives her to make sure every child gets the same joy and hope she felt at such a dark time – and she knows how essential every resource is to making wishes come true. Now, she shares her story to inspire others to give back and become a WishMaker themselves.

“I’ve got to inspire my friends and the girls in the sorority to really care about Make-A-Wish,” Helen said. “Sharing my story … inspires a whole lot more people to fundraise … and really propels Make-A-Wish and gets people to donate.”

For more than 20 years, Chi Omega has been a driving force behind granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since their national partnership with Make-A-Wish began in 2002, Chi Omega has collectively volunteered more than 1.4 million hours and has raised more than $37 million to support the mission. Helen’s message builds on that legacy, encouraging not only current sisters but also Chi Omega alumni to stay engaged with Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit that is likely still near and dear to their hearts, thanks to their support during their college years. “It’s so beyond important to continue making that impact,” Helen said. “I think a part of being a Chi Omega means that you’re a WishMaker … and at least for me, that’s not going to end when I graduate.”

Helen urges everyone – students, school staff and alumni alike – to take action on their campus. “World Wish Month is your time to get involved,” Helen added. 

Become a WishMaker like Helen today.