HONOLULU (HI Now) - April is World Wish Month and Volunteer Appreciation Month! The wishes that Make-A-Wish Hawaii grants wouldn’t be possible without the support of “WishMakers” stepping up throughout the process. A “WishMaker” is anyone who donates their time, talent or treasure to Make-A-Wish. More WishMakers are needed across the state to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to every eligible child in Hawaii.
Iris is a a bubbly, outgoing 10-year-old girl from Kauai who shines when she’s experiencing the joy of dancing. Seeing her twirl around her new dance studio, you would never know that five years ago, Iris couldn’t walk.
Diagnosed with a digestive disorder at the age of 2, Iris has struggled with her health since birth. Her parents enrolled her in ballet class when she was 3 years old to work on physical therapy. It led to a lifelong love for dance. After extensive physical therapy – including dance – Iris is now stable, although every day is different, and she still struggles.
Iris’ volunteer wish granters, Leigh and April, met with Iris throughout her wish journey and helped her discover that her most heartfelt wish was to have a dance studio. When meeting with her, Leigh and Iris provided boosts of joy and happiness. Wishes are more than just a one-time experience; the entire journey—from the anticipation of a wish come true to the memories that result—have a lasting, positive impact on children like Iris, and their families.
With her wish granters, Iris created a Pinterest board with everything she wished for her dance studio to have. WishMakers throughout the community, including H.T. Hayashi Foundation and Unlimited Construction, came together to help grant Iris’ wish. Iris eagerly anticipated the day her wish would come true and found strength in looking forward to it. Since her wish was granted in summer 2022, it has brought Iris endless joy! She spends every day in her dance studio, practicing her dance skills and playing with friends.
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a wish kid like Iris, please join us as a WishMaker! Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s next wish granter training is on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This virtual training is open to folks on all islands. If you have a heart for children and want to give back to the community you’re a part of, please join us! Learn more at Hawaii.wish.org.
Copyright 2024 KHNL. All rights reserved.