Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington’s Post

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY for our annual #WishesInFlight mileage drive broadcasting stories of hope and joy on KOMO News, 570 KVI, 101.5 HANK FM and Northwest Newsradio! Hear from local wish kids like Manny whose wish to visit the Kennedy Space Center was out of this world. #WishesInFlight #SoNorthwest #KOMONews #MakeAWishAKWA #iFlyAlaska #AlaskaCares

⭐HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! ⭐ Join us in celebrating Amy, our program manager for Volunteer Outreach and Engagement! Six years ago, Amy joined Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington as a Wish Coordinator, connecting with wish families, including Spanish speaking kids and families in our community. Now, Amy makes wishes possible by reaching out to the community. When asked why wishes are important, Amy said, "Wishes are so important because they give some control back to the wish kiddo and family in a time when so much is out of their control. Being able to plan and dream about what their wish could be gets kids through appointments, treatments, surgeries…It is really incredible to see what happens when hope takes root." Can YOU speak Spanish? We need your help! Visit the link in our bio or email Lindsey at lgoss@akwa.wish.org to learn how you can support the many families we serve.

Host a Lemonade Stand to benefit our wish kids! What better way to get your friends, family and community together than an ice-cold glass of lemonade?! Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to raise funds but kids will be able to learn the value of philanthropy and helping others through this fun and exciting program. Go to wish.org/akwa/lemonade to get started! #Lemonade4Wishes

Humans understand pain and suffering. But few have struggled to survive – experiencing what makes or breaks us. Some who do are called Marines. And on a momentous summer day in Washington, that honor would be extended to a four-year-old boy – a historic moment marked by the number 109. Arlan was born with a mitochondrial disease that claims most infants in their first year. Even with a failing heart, five broken bones, thyroid disease and a liver plagued with cancer, Arlan was about to turn five. And, about to realize his wish to become a Marine for life – a distinction only awarded to 108 other people. Read about Arlan's inspiring wish here: https://lnkd.in/gmS6d_Tq

Our Summer Newsletter: Are you longing for feel-good-news? 'Wishful Thinking' is now live! Discover the hope, joy, and reset that a wish evokes from a parent’s perspective in our online newsletter, where you’ll also: ⭐ Read an important announcement from our President & CEO, Melissa Arias. ⭐ Discover how one local company is putting a twist on lemon-AID. ⭐ Learn how you can get a fashionable Make-A-Wish tote bag and more. Check out our online edition at https://lnkd.in/gc4msuug

A SWEET mission delivery! VP's Jessy Friedt from Make-A-Wish Oregon and Lauren Martin from the Alaska Washington chapter got their citrus kick at EVERGREENs in Beaverton. They enjoyed one of the Fresh Dishes Fulfilling Wishes and thanked the amazing team their support to help turn life's lemons into lemonade! Thank you, EVERGREENs! 🍋 Want to share the peel-good-vibes? Stop by your local Evergreens today for a lemon-inspired treat. Vice President approved.⭐

Our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience, and your help is needed now more than ever! Enjoy the flexibility to volunteer on your terms—choose when and how you contribute to changing lives in our community. Unsure where your skills fit best? Explore our volunteer opportunities to discover how you can have the most impact in making dreams come true. Together, we can make wishes come true. Get involved at wish.org/akwa/volunteer.

ONE WEEK AWAY! Every 65,000 miles donated equals one free plane ticket for a wish kid in your neighborhood or community. Help us grant more wishes by donating your unused Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Tune in to KOMO News, 101.5 HANK FM, 570 KVI and Northwest Newsradio on July 31st to donate to our #WishesInFlight airline mileage drive! Wishes in Flight: https://lnkd.in/eYeemXH #WishesInFlight #SoNorthwest #KOMONews #MakeAWishAKWA #iFlyAlaska #AlaskaCares

⭐NEW STAFF ALERT!⭐ Please join us in welcoming Kait, our new Wish & Administrative Coordinator in Alaska! We could not be more excited to welcome her to the team and make more wishes a reality. When asked why she chose Make-A-Wish, she shared,” I decided to work at Make-A-Wish because I am able to be a part of giving kids and families joy when they need it most.” 💙 To Kait, “Wishes are important because they provide a focus that is not medical related. Wishes allow a child to be a child in the midst of challenging circumstances and improve mental and emotional outcomes for the whole family!

You can make a BIG difference while shopping nationwide! Now through July 31, support Make-A-Wish by donating at the register at your local Big Lots store. Any amount helps, and you'll receive a $5 off coupon for your next purchase of $15 or more! Your donation makes wishes come true for kids like Francesca, who wished for a princess playroom.👑 Big Lots made it happen with a stunning room makeover! Join us in spreading joy to kids facing critical illnesses.