Because we believe wishes have the power to heal.

When people ask me what it’s like to be a volunteer Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York (MAW), I usually feel as though my explanation of the experience doesn’t do it justice. It’s the  stories from the wish families that capture it best.

This past spring Wish Mom Paula Buchanan spoke at the MAW 25th Anniversary Gala about her son Brian’s wish. Usually during these speeches I sit with tears in my eyes, listening while willing the tears to stay in my eyes instead of rolling down my cheeks into the salad in front of me. But, when Paula spoke it was different. I sat wide eyed, hanging on every word. No tears, just listening with appreciation as she described the wish experience so eloquently, touching upon the various elements, or “gifts” as she calls them. When I asked Paula if she would be willing to share her speech here for the blog, she told me her words that night were not written down, rather she just spoke from the heart. Even more impressive. But she graciously agreed to put pen to paper and do a guest blog. Thank you Paula for sharing your story, and in doing so, helping others understand the power of a wish! Read the rest of this page »