FISCAL YEAR 2024
Y E A R I N R E V I E W

September 2023 – August 2024

HOME YEAR IN REVIEW MAHALO

Financial Wish Stories Volunteer Spotlight Wish Assist Donor Spotlight Medical Partner Spotlight Events World Wish Month

Fiscal Year 2024 (September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024) was a magical year of wishes! Thanks to your heartfelt support, wishes were granted for 72 children with critical illnesses across the state of Hawaii, transforming lives and uniting our community in the process.

Financial Highlights

WISH STORIES

I WISH TO HAVE...

Krayson's Wish Gives Him Space to Learn and Thrive!

Krayson was a typical, healthy toddler until he reached 18 months, when the course of his life took a new direction. That’s when his parents noticed developmental delays, and he began experiencing seizures. This was frightening for his parents, Kim and Gary, who were deeply concerned for the health and safety of their firstborn child. They always held his hand, whether in the house or outside, to ensure he wouldn’t fall and hurt himself during a seizure. By the time he was a toddler, Krayson was having up to 300 seizures a day.

“It’s heartbreaking,” says Gary. He and Kim brought Krayson to see specialists in Chicago and Seattle, and although medication has reduced the frequency of his seizures, they continue working with his local physician to find the best management strategies.

I WISH TO BE...

Randallyn's Runway
From Hawaii to New York City

From the moment she was born prematurely, Randallyn faced medical challenges, requiring immediate medevac from her home on Hawai‘i Island to Oahu for the first of three open-heart surgeries. Diagnosed with congenital heart disease, her journey was filled with obstacles—but also incredible strength.

Growing up in Laupahoehoe, Randallyn persevered. While her peers joined sports teams, she had to prioritize treatments. But her warm and vibrant personality wasn’t made for the sidelines. She found new ways to express herself, discovering a love for photography—where she was often the star her photo shoots.

“It changed my life."

—RANDALLYN, WISH KID

I WISH TO GO...

Reison's Wish to go to
Disney World Takes Flight

Reison, 14, of Honolulu, has been bravely battling a nervous system disorder since birth. His persistent seizures have impacted both his mental and physical development, leading to numerous secondary complications.

Reison’s love for Disney movies and his delight for toys that have lights, sounds and music inspired his wish to go to Walt Disney World® where he would experience the Electric Light Parade, an extraordinary adventure for a child who had only ever left home for medical appointments.

“We all got to spend time together as a family in a magical place on earth—a beautiful memory that will be kept in our hearts forever."

—TULPE, WISH MOM

I WISH TO MEET...

Tony's Wish to Meet Dwayne Johnson is a Source of Strength

Tony is a resilient teenager from Lahaina who has been through the hardest times of his life recently, including courageously battling heart failure. Tony wished to meet Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who he shares many admirable qualities with, such as maintaining optimism for the future. The Rock granted Tony’s wish at a time when he needed it most, bringing heartfelt joy that has become a source of incredible strength as Tony navigates the challenges of heart failure.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

WISHING IT FORWARD

Robin's Journey of Hope and Giving Back

In a world often marked by adversity and challenges, stories of resilience shine brightest. Meet Robin of Ewa Beach, a remarkable young woman, now 21, who has faced the trials of life with unwavering courage and determination. Formerly a wish kid herself, Robin is now a shining beacon of hope, serving as an intern and volunteer wish granter with Make-A-Wish Hawaii. Her journey from a diagnosis of leukemia and type 1 diabetes to becoming a dedicated advocate for wish kids is nothing short of inspiring.

Robin’s life took a dramatic turn when, at the age of 14, she was diagnosed with leukemia. The news came as such a shock, especially for a teenager preoccupied with school, clothes and friends. Her battle with the disease led to years of grueling hospital stays and chemotherapy, but in 2018, Robin faced the daunting reality that she needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. With the devastating news came an unexpected turn—her younger sibling was a match. Her hero turned out to be her sweet 8-year-old little brother.”

WISH ASSIST

WISH ASSIST STORY

Young Scientist Makes a
Splash in Coral Conservation

Parker has always been drawn to the outdoors. This curious 9-year-old boy from Vermont enjoys reading—especially about science and chemistry—and loves to go swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.

When Parker was diagnosed with cancer, he found comfort in learning about the ocean. During his treatments, he spent countless hours reading about marine life, fostering a deep fascination with coral reefs and the colorful ecosystems they support. Inspired by his passion, Parker made a unique wish: to meet a coral scientist and see the reefs they work to protect. With the help of Make-A-Wish Hawaii and the Coral Resilience Lab at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Parker’s dream became a reality in an extraordinary way.

DONOR SPOTLIGHTS

MAUI DIVERS JEWELRY

Maui Divers Jewelry Donates An Entire Day of Online Sales to Help Grant Wishes

One-day Campaign raised more than $35,000!

Maui Divers Jewelry, known as Hawaii’s most charitable jeweler, kicked off Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s World Wish Month in April with a single-day campaign that raised more than $35,000 – a significant contribution that will help grant wishes for keiki battling critical illnesses. Shoppers from Hawaii and around the world purchased their Hawaii-exclusive keepsake jewelry on Maui Divers Jewelry’s website, with 100% of online sales benefiting wish kids throughout the islands.

HAWAII SOFTBALL FOUNDATION

Hawaii Softball Foundation's Support is a Home Run For Wish Kids

Thanks to the Hawaii Softball Foundation’s dedication to community and philanthropy, a teenager fighting for her health found strength in the support of hundreds of girls her age.

Lotus, a resilient 14-year-old from Ewa Beach, was diagnosed with a vascular disorder in August 2022. The diagnosis abruptly shifted her life from catching waves to enduring medical treatments, including two brain surgeries. Despite her challenges, Lotus remains determined to live life to the fullest. Her wish to surf at the exclusive Kelly Slater Surf Ranch symbolizes her unwavering strength.

MILLWOOD ‘OHANA PRODUCTIONS

Sharing Aloha Through Community

David Lopaka Millwood, a Hawaii-based event producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Millwood ‘Ohana Productions, has been contributing to the local community for over three decades. Known affectionately as “The Pineapple Guy,” he’s the force behind some of Hawaii’s most memorable events for three brands: Experience Nutridge Luau, Nutridge Estate Venue, and Oahu Festival Events.

David is deeply committed to supporting the local community through charitable endeavors, with Make-A-Wish Hawaii among his top priorities. Millwood ‘Ohana Productions has donated nearly $65,000 to Make-A-Wish Hawaii over the last 5 years.

MEDICAL PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Keith Abe Advocates for Wishes as Powerful Medicine

Hawaii pediatric neurologist Dr. Keith Abe advocates for community awareness for wish referrals, which provide necessary support to keiki with critical illnesses.

For Dr. Keith Abe, a typical work week includes care for patients with a range of neurological conditions, including sometimes life-threatening and degenerative diseases. As a specialist in pediatric neurology for Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, he often cares for keiki who courageously battle conditions that seem to steal away childhood.

Dr. Abe knew his calling was in pediatrics – hoping to help parents and caregivers preserve the joy and normalcy of childhood that some of these neurological conditions try to take from keiki. Unfortunately, the unrelenting impact of these conditions can be the hardest part of his job.

FY24 Events

Mahalo to our corporate partners for their heartfelt support to make wishes come true. We couldn’t grant wishes without you!

Swing for Wishes

The Swing for Wishes golf tournament at Hawaii Prince Golf Club has grown to be one of our most important fundraisers, raising more than $1.4 million since its inception to transform the lives of Hawaii keiki with critical illnesses. Thanks to the ongoing partnership of Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, this event has given wish kids the hope and strength needed to keep fighting when they need it most.

Jingle Rock Run

Mahalo to all who participated in Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s 11th annual Jingle Rock Run presented by Road Builders Corporation at Ko Olina Resort! Attendees walked side-by-side with wish kids and their families in this festive celebration.

Walkers, joggers, strollers and supporters helped raise more than $280,000 to make wishes come true for children battling critical illnesses across the state. Mahalo for your heartfelt generosity!

A special mahalo to Ko Olina Resort for hosting Jingle Rock Run! Participants enjoyed the games, activities, and refreshments on the expansive event lawn and the beautiful 2.5-mile stroll through the resort, passing all four lagoons.

Mahalo nui loa for joining us to celebrate the holiday season and the power of a wish come true.

Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki

Cheers to the Young Leaders Board for hosting a new event, Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki presented by Lemman Family Foundation. This rooftop party at Royal Hawaiian Center’s new venue, Ka Lewa Lanai, brought an elevated twist on treasured moments of the past.

Attendees enjoyed food and beverage stations, tarot readings, hair braiding and accessorizing, and some even got piercings! Thanks to generous sponsors and attendees participating in fundraising activities, this event raised $100,000 to grant wishes for local children with critical illnesses.

Wish! Heroes Unite

WISH! Heroes Unite was an epic gathering of the wish heroes in our community.

Superheroes of all kinds — wish kids and their families, medical partners, volunteers, and generous donors — united to celebrate and raise funds to bring hope and joy to children with critical illnesses across the state of Hawaii through the transformational power of a wish. WISH! Heroes Unite raised a record-breaking $1.1 million—our most successful fundraising event in Make-A-Wish Hawaii history!

There were many inspiring highlights from the evening, especially wish kids reuniting with their heroes as the talented Kaylee Brooke Shimizu sang “Hero” and dancers from 24/VII Danceforce formed around them. It was heartwarming to see Nemu, a 12-year-old girl from Honolulu who battles a seizure disorder, be reunited with her hero, her former caregiver who moved to Chicago.

Mahalo to all our heroes, especially presenting sponsor Dawson, for making this event a victory in our quest to support wish keiki across the state. Together, we have the greatest superpower of all: transforming lives, one wish at a time.

Special mahalo to Wish Kids David, Keldyn, Lincoln, Mika, Nemu, and Vivienne for participating in the program with their heroes, and to Wish Kids Kai, Lincoln, Nemu, Pono, and Vivienne for helping to promote the event!

World Wish Month

Wish Makers Wanted!

Throughout the month of April, we invited the community to join Make-A-Wish Hawaii as WishMakers to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to keiki across the state.

Thanks to our incredible partners, dedicated volunteers, and amazing supporters, more than $100,000 was raised to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses in Hawaii. Mahalo to everyone who helped make the first World Wish Month a tremendous success!

Your support ensures that a child’s imagination becomes their reality. It opens doors to new possibilities, in which a child can replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. Wishes unite families through life-changing experiences that help them cope and grow stronger, as entire communities rally around them in moments of unforgettable joy.

During April, wish families felt the love and support from our community as they saw the blue hue of lit-up buildings in Honolulu, watched and participated in the World Wish Month telethon on KHON2, and shared the impact of their wish journey on KHON2’s Living808 and Hawaii News Now’s HI Now Daily programs.

A wish begins with hope, and hope begins with you. Our sincerest thanks for making wishes possible for children with critical illnesses in Hawaii during World Wish Month and beyond.

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FISCAL YEAR 2024Y E A R I N R E V I E W