Kevin was born and raised in Geneva, Illinois where he currently lives and works with the Geneva Emergency Management Agency. Kevin is an active volunteer with Make-A-Wish Illinois, supporting events, providing office support and sharing his story. Kevin had successful heart transplant in the Fall of 2018.
Tessa Martyn’s brother, Sam, had his wish granted during the summer of 2016 to meet DJ Hardwell at Lollapalooza. In her own words, Tessa reflects on the hope of a wish journey.
Wishes provide kids hope when they need it most, and research shows they have effects on children’s overall well-being and health outcomes.
Research shows that wishes have the possibility to give kids the hope and strength they need to fight harder. For children who are battling a critical illness, a wish can give them and their families the chance to believe anything is possible.
Every Make-A-Wish volunteer, whether they're granting wishes or helping out at some of our events, brings their own insight and experiences to the job and to the organization.
Yesenia Presley gives as much of herself to others as she can.
Seeing how a wish experience impacted her friend's grandson, Annica decided to volunteer with Make-A-Wish. She quickly realized, “Life is bigger than me” and redoubled her volunteer efforts to make a difference.
Fearless, Jake lived every day with energy and passion for the activities and people he loved.
For more than 20 years, Matt Giddens of Buffalo Grove has observed the uplifting impact being a volunteer for Make-A-Wish has had on his grandfather George. Using his skills, he's also helping to make a difference for children with critical illnesses and their families.
On an October day in 2004, 10-year-old Jake Ochroch was in his hometown of Philadelphia completely starstruck. He was meeting one of his heroes: Bruce Springsteen. Jake had just finished a tough year-long battle with cancer and he and his family, all of whom are big Springsteen fans, couldn’t wait to meet the musician on his Vote For Change Tour. The Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley chapter granted Jake the experience, and his Make-A-Wish journey didn’t end that night, it was just beginning.
Office Phone Numbers Chicago - 312.602.9474 Peoria - 309.637.1659 Springfield - 217.544.9470 Toll-Free - 800.978.9474 Sí, hablamos español.