Star-studded Grammys provide unforgettable wish for JackWish teen Jack was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in August 2011 and battled through many rounds of chemotherapy during his junior year of high school. The chance to receive a wish and think of possibilities was a much-needed positive focus during his health crisis.

With his love of music and television, Jack knew he wanted to see L.A., and the opportunity to experience the 2013 Grammys in person was a dream come true.

W I T H O U R B E S T

Spring 2013 www.wishmich.org

continued on paGe 3

I N S I D E 5 Elissa swims with dolphins8 New wish society launches10 Volunteer of the Year shares love of mission

Hope Award The Horace and Lorraine D’Angelo Lives Assistance Trust

Strength AwardErinstock

Joy AwardChi Omega, University of Michigan Chapter

Shining Star AwardsAssociated Builders and Contractors Greater Michigan ChapterCatholic Central High School - NoviGreenridge Dream TeamHelen DeVos Children’s Hospital Division of Hematology/OncologyUniversity of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Hematology/ Oncology Department

Top Corporate DonorEaton Corporation

Volunteer of the YearErin Osgood

Wish Granting Volunteerof the Year Bonnie Nolan

2 0 1 2 M a k e - A - W i s h M i c h i g a n A w a r d s

OfficersChairman Jim Berline Chairman - BERLINE Bloomfield Hills

Vice Chair Janette Ferrantino Community Volunteer Ann Arbor

Treasurer John Lallo CFO & Vice President Roskam Baking Company Grand Rapids

Secretary Meg Miller Willit Community Volunteer Grand Rapids

BOard MeMBersShirlee Bobryk Attorney/Shareholder White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini, P.C. Okemos

Rob Casalou President & CEO St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals Ypsilanti

Karen Custer Owner Custer Workplace Interiors Grand Rapids

Deborah Gray Associate Professor of Marketing Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant

Rich Harshbarger VP, Consumer Marketing & Communications Detroit MediaPartnership Detroit

Steve Heacock Senior VP, Community Relations Spectrum Health Grand Rapids

Susan Jandernoa Community Volunteer Grand Rapids

Christine Farah Lebold Chief Operating Officer LSG Insurance Partners Bloomfield Hills

Make-a-Wish Michigan staff

Karen DavisPresident & CEO

Kimberle MillerExecutive Assistant, PT

communicationsLeah BorstCommunications Manager

Sarah ClevengerVice President of Marketing & Brand Advancement

finance & OperationsDawn AntonelliOffice Administrator

Laura OlsonSenior Manager of Operations

Margaret StevensAccountant, PT

Kim WagnerDirector of Finance & Operations

Program servicesMerry DonnSenior Wish Coordinator

Christie HillWish Manager

Erica HuntWish Coordinator

Brianna IanniWish Coordinator & Program Services Specialist

Julie McCarthyWish Coordinator, PT

Carrie McCullochWish Coordinator

Alissa ShipmanSenior Wish Coordinator

Nancy SporeVice President of Program Services

Mary VeltemaReferral & Medical Outreach Manager

F Y 2 0 1 3 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Jim Berline Karen DavisChairman of the Board President & CEO

As we gear up for events this spring and summer, we look forward to seeing many welcome familiar faces and also meeting new friends who are joining to support our wish kids. Each event provides a family reunion of sorts – a Make-A-Wish® Michigan family reunion – as wish families, volunteers, donors and community supporters share special time and moments together. We have a tremendous community of support surrounding our wish families, and witnessing the strength and joy when we are all together is heartwarming and so very inspiring.

Earlier this year, we honored a few of our outstanding volunteers and supporters for their continued generosity in support of our mission. They have gone above and beyond in their dedication to bring hope, strength and joy to our wish kids, yet these award

recipients also represent the commitment and love all of our volunteers and donors have for wish children and their families. We are so grateful to each supporter for the role you play in helping to share the power of a wish® with more than 400 children a year.

Every wish is a unique experience created specifically for the wish child. We all come together – no matter our backgrounds, resources or special interests – to fulfill extraordinary and uplifting dreams. Make-A-Wish supporters brighten the lives of kids living through some of their most challenging days, providing an emotional boost and life-changing experience. We simply cannot thank you enough for making wishes come true, and we hope to see you soon! Together, we all have the power to grant a wish®.

dear wish friends,

With gratitude,

Chairman of the Board Jim Berline (back

left) and President and CEO Karen Davis

(back right), enjoyed a day of fun and

inspiration during a PSA shoot with wish

kids (from left) Maddie, Jena and Rodney.

A portion of newsletter printing donated by:

Scott Miller Partner UHY Advisors, LLP Sterling Heights

David R. Morlock Senior Vice President Accretive Health Jackson

Jelka Petrovic President & CEO United Healthcare of Michigan Southfield

Walter F. “Chip” Perschbacher Vice President Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Peter Whitsett EVP - Merchandising/Marketing Meijer Grand Rapids

Gregory Yanik, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Joe Ziniti Senior Vice President Penske Automotive Group Bloomfield Hills

Trustee EmeritusDon Hamilton PresidentHamilton Chevrolet, Inc. Warren

Chapter Medical AdvisorJames Fahner, M.D. Division Chief Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Helen DeVos Children’s HospitalGrand Rapids

Ex OfficioKaren DavisPresident & CEOMake-A-Wish Michigan

development & Philanthropy

Ellie AndrusDevelopment

Manager

Nanci BallantyneMajor Gifts Director

Jennifer ConneryCOO/Vice President

of Philanthropy

Kedrin GallStewardship

Manager

Janelle GunnWAM Tour Director

Jill DelaneyDevelopment Assistant, PT

Meghann McEvoyDatabase & Online

Information Manager

Lauren MetzendorfGrants & In-kind

Manager, PT

Julie PendellSenior Director of

Philanthropy

Kelli Jo PeltierWAM Logistics

Manager

Susan SmithDevelopment

Manager

Volunteer servicesJen Boan

Volunteer Services Manager

Ashley PostVolunteer

Services Manager

To contact staff via email, please use

the following template: first name initial and

last name@wishmich.org. For example,

Kdavis@wishmich.org.

Volunteer of the Year

“It was truly unreal,” said Jack. “It was really interesting because you got to see what people (celebrities) are really like off camera.”

Before flying to L.A., Make-A-Wish Michigan sent Jack to one of our national partners, Macy’s in Portage, which stepped up to outfit Jack for the big day.

Jack and his family arrived in L.A. a few days prior to the Grammys, allowing them to tour Universal Studios, visit the Grammy Museum and enjoy the sunny weather at the beach. On the day before the event, Jack and his family attended the Grammys rehearsal and were wowed by the stars.

The next day, Jack’s Grammys experience began with a limo ride and included an amazing red carpet experience where he mingled with celebrities and took lots of pictures.

“I was expecting two or three (celebrities) to come over, but there were about 40,” said Jack. “I’m really grateful to Make-A-Wish (Michigan) for making everything happen. They do amazing stuff!”

Jack’s unforgettable wish continued from coVer

Jack at the 2013 Grammys

Bonnie Nolan, pictured with wish

child Kristi, was the recipient of

the Wish Granting Volunteer of the

Year Award.

Spring 2013 With Our Best Wishes 3

Wish Ball Sponsor

Hope Sponsors Doug and Maria DeVosJack H. Miller Greg and Meg Willit

Strength Sponsors Advanced Radiology Services, PCThe Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation Hansen-Balk Steel Treating CoMike and Sue JandernoaJim and Ginger JurriesMeijerMercantile Bank of MichiganMerrill Lynch - The DeVries, Freeburg & Mraz GroupPerrigo CompanyRothbury FarmsWolverine Worldwide

Nearly 500 people attended the Make-A-Wish Michigan 2013 Wish Ball on May 9, which honored Steve and Brenda Heacock of Grand Rapids, long-time supporters and wish parents.

The Heacocks have been involved with Make-A-Wish since 1994, when their 10-year-old daughter Kirsten’s wish trip to Walt Disney World® Resort was granted. Since then, the Heacocks have supported the organization through donations and volunteer services. Steve has also served on the board since 2009 and previously volunteered on the West Michigan Wish Committee.

“We’re proud to honor the Heacocks for their volunteer leadership, passion and dedication to the Make-A-Wish mission,” said Karen Davis, president & CEO. “They represent the purpose, strength and love of this organization, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support and commitment.”

The Wish Ball, presented by Huntington Bank, was a magical evening of wishes at DeVos Place. Meg Miller Willit, on the Make-A-Wish Michigan volunteer Boardof Directors and Wish Ball 2013 co-chair, emceed the formal event for the second year.

Wish Ball honors long-time supporters Steve and Brenda Heacock

Kahron’s shopping spree wishKahron, a west Michigan

teen with Hodgkin’s disease,

wished for a shopping spree.

Make-A-Wish Michigan helped

the 14-year-old’s wish become

reality with an exciting trip

to the Crossroads Mall and

Best Buy in Kalamazoo.

Steve and Brenda Heacock

Spring 2013 With Our Best Wishes 5

Elissa is “a smart girl who loves a great book,” according to her mom, but the 8-year-old also adores the outdoors. She particularly likes swimming, especially when it involves dolphins.

Elissa has a complicated medical situation predominately due to hydrocephalus, a condition in which there is buildup of fluid around the brain.

Elissa and her family traveled to the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas, to visit Dolphin Cay, one of the largest marine habitats and animal rescue-rehabilitation facilities in the world. During the trip, Elissa experienced up-close play with the Atlantis’ bottlenose dolphins.

“We just returned from the most amazing trip to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas all because of Make-A-Wish (Michigan) and the kind employees of Olympic Steel,” said Elissa’s mom Debbie. “Thank you so

much from the bottom of the most grateful hearts. We had such a great time.”

Elissa’s wish to swim with dolphins came true with the generous support of our Adopt-A-Wish partner, the employees of Olympic Steel of Detroit. The Adopt-A-Wish program allows Make-A-Wish Michigan to dedicate specific wishes to individuals, organizations, groups or companies who donate more than $5,000. Adopters receive a child’s wish story and photo of a wish come true. Olympic Steel has generously sponsored eight wishes since 2009.

Groups, corporations and organizations interested in adopting a child’s wish can contact Julie Pendell at 800.622.9474 ext. 119. Individuals or families interested in adopting a wish can contact Nanci Ballantyne at 800.622.9474 ext. 113.Visit wishmich.org/adoptawish for more information.

elissa’s swim with dolphins is an extraordinary tale

“Thank you so much from the bottom of the most grateful hearts. We had such a great time.”

~ Elissa’s mom Debbie

Eight-year-old Elissa’s wish to swim with dolphins came true through the support of an Adopt-A-Wish® partner, Olympic Steel.

Thank you to the Southeast MichiganWalk for Wishessponsors

Lead Sponsors

Hope Sponsors Calverley Supply Company Inc.CosiDetroit Media PartnershipKenwal PicklingLSG Insurance PartnersLuxaireMeijer

Strength Sponsors Accretive HealthHamilton ChevroletTrusted Choice® Michigan Young AgentUHY LLPUnited Healthcare

Joy Sponsors Gordon ChevroletHome & Community Recreation TherapyUniversity of Michigan Health System

REGISTER NOW!Sat., Oct. 5, 2013Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture ParkGrand Rapids

Visit www.wishmich.org/walkforwishes for more information

Nine-year-old Elias enjoyed swimming during his family’s trip. It was the perfect wish for Elias, who is battling lymphoid leukemia.

Alex, 4, wished for a trip to the happiest place on earth, where he and his sister enjoyed the Not So Scary Halloween Party last fall. Alex is battling neoplasm of his endocrine glands and also had a blast swimming.

Four-year-old Lanie (left) was all smiles during her entire wish trip to Walt Disney World® Resort. Lanie, who is battling lymphoid leukemia, and her sister loved meeting the princesses.

i wish to go to Walt disney World® resort

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ride, volunteer or donate to grant wishes

Wish-A-Mile 300 Three Day, 300 Mile Bicycle TourJuly 25-28, 2013

Wish-A-Mile 50 One Day, 50 Mile Ride July 28, 2013

Register today www.wishamile.orgFor more information, please contact Janelle Gunn, jgunn@wishmich.org

Lead Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

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Spring 2013 With Our Best Wishes 7

Join the Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour. Ride 300 miles over three days or join the 50 mile one-day event. Your participation as a rider or volunteer will help grant the wishes of Michigan children with life-threatening medical conditions. Since 1984, Make-A-Wish Michigan has granted more than 7,000 wishes to Michigan kids.

“WAM is amazing. Make-A-Wish is a beautiful thing.” ~ Alisha Jandernoa, veteran WAM 300 rider - Team Emily

Tour Features• Fullysupportedtour,includingmeals• Breakstopsthroughout• Massagetherapists• Participantjersey,t-shirtandmedal• FinishontheMichiganInternational Speedway track• HeroesHurrahfinishlinecelebration• Andmuchmore…

WAM riders are greeted with medals by wish kids as they finish.

Make-A-Wish Michigan recently launched The Christopher Hamilton Legacy Society to recognize donors who include the organization as a beneficiary in estate planning. The society is named in memory of Christopher Hamilton, the son of long-time supporters Don and Lee Hamilton.

Although Christopher lost his battle with leukemia in 1987, his wish to meet Hulk Hogan left a lasting impact on his family. Don is an emeritus board member for the organization, and both he and Lee have actively supported Make-A-Wish Michigan through personal donations, event sponsorships, car raffles and a sincere commitment to granting wishes. The two are also founding members of this society.

“We are so honored to have the Legacy Society named after Christopher, and we believe it echoes our commitment to supporting Make-A-Wish families,” said Don. “Following Christopher’s wish,

we wanted to continue to support the organization in as many ways as possible. The society is just one of those ways.”

The Society will include those who name Make-A-Wish Michigan as a beneficiary in his or her life insurance, will, retirement plan or life income gift. Such planning helps Make-A-Wish Michigan prepare for future financial stability and to continue to grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Participants will receive recognition in the Society listing, print and electronic newsletters, invitations for member-only events and special communications from Make-A-Wish leadership. No estate documentation is required and gifts in any amount are accepted for qualification.

To join The Christopher Hamilton Legacy Society, please contact Nanci Ballantyne at nballantyne@wishmich.org or call 734.994.8620.

make-a-Wish michigan launches the christopher Hamilton Legacy Society

Youth help raise awareness and funds through the Kids for Wish Kids® program. Kids for Wish Kids is a youth friendly program that helps youth groups, organizations and schools to raise funds and awareness in their communities for Make-A-Wish Michigan kids.

For more information on youth fundraising events, visit www.wishmich.org/kidsforwishkids or contact Ellie Andrus at 616.363.4607 for west Michigan or Susan Smith at 313.833.9100 for east Michigan.

Kids granting wishes

Christopher with Hulk Hogan.

Lee and Don Hamilton

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y The society will include those who name Make-A-Wish Michigan as a beneficiary in his or her life insurance, will, retirement plan or life income gift.

Seventeen-year-old Travis’ passion for baseball and the Detroit Tigers provided courage and strength during his diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The Troy teen was inspired by Detroit Tigers’ Alex Avila, so his wish was easy to determine. Make-A-Wish Michigan granted Travis’ wish to meet his baseball hero – an opportunity he never thought possible. Both he and Avila are catchers, wear the same number and hit left handed.

“When our doctor’s office told Travis they were going to submit a request for him to have a wish granted, it perked him up,” said Travis’ mom Cindy. “It gave him something else to focus on, something fun instead of tests, medicine and treatment.”

On his wish day, a limo escorted Travis and his family to Comerica Park, where he was greeted by his name featured on the big screen: “The Detroit Tigers welcome Travis to Comerica Park.”

The family attended batting practice and mingled with Tigers players and coaches as the team prepared for a home game against the Baltimore Orioles. Travis even hit a few balls with players and Avila also signed a jersey and bat.

The day was also a magical one for Travis’ parents, who witnessed the team and Avila embrace Travis’ wish.

“The fact that (Avila) spent time with Travis and obviously thought through beforehand what he could do to make it special for him is what we took away from it,” said Travis’ mom Cindy. “Travis’ wish came at the end of his treatment as he was recovering from the worst of it.”

Travis’ wish was adopted by The Jamie Leugers Fund for Active Teens through Make-A-Wish Michigan’s Adopt-A-Wish program.

detroit tigers fan plays ball make-a-Wish kid referralMake-A-Wish Michigan

relies on supporters to

help bring hope, strength

and joy to wish kids and

their families. If you know

a child who is in need

of our services, please

encourage the family,

child or healthcare

professional to call

800.622.9474.

Travis, 17, experienced his wish of playing ball with his baseball hero Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers.Travis (left) with Avila.

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Spring 2013 With Our Best Wishes 9

“The whole focus is to help kids with their wishes. It’s not sad,

it’s amazing.”

Share the power of a Wish®

Volunteer Erin Osgood knows quite a bit about working with kids. Before becoming a mom, the Brighton resident earned a master’s degree and started a career in social work.

I had learned of (Make-A-Wish Michigan) a long time ago and the organization just stuck with me,” said Osgood, who was recently awarded Make-A-Wish Michigan’s Volunteer of the Year award. “Nothing could be better than helping a kid get his or her wish.”

For more than three years, Osgood has volunteered at the Make-A-Wish Michigan headquarters in Brighton once a week, pitched in at the Walk for Wishes in Detroit, helped with the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour in July, answered phones and questions and served as a wish granting volunteer. She volunteered with four families in 2012 and often pairs up with new wish granting volunteers.

Her favorite aspect is the initial confirmation of a child’s wish being granted.

“Just getting that email that the wish was approved and the detail of when they

leave or ithappens isexciting,” said Osgood.

Her enthusiasm for Make-A-Wish Michigan shines through her smile as she talks of the wishes she’s helped grant.

“People have the misconception that we work with terminally ill kids,” said Osgood. “The whole focus is to help kids with their wishes. It’s not sad, it’s amazing.”

Osgood and her husband Jon have two kids, Page, 12, and Cole, 9.

Wish granting volunteer finds connection

Sat., June 8 Grand Rapids 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.Sat., Aug. 31 Detroit 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat., Sept. 21 Ann Arbor 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Upcoming Wish GrantingTraining Dates

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This year, Make-A-Wish Michigan anticipates granting hundreds of wishes in our community. Our efforts are not possible without the ongoing and tremendous support of our volunteers, and we are actively recruiting those interested in becoming wish-granting volunteers.

Wish-granting volunteers serve as an integral part of the wish processby meeting with wish kids and families to capture the child’s heartfelt wish and helping make it come true. Volunteers work in teams of two and enhance the wish journey through special package deliveries, welcome home or departure parties and other fun-filled activities.

Those interested in wish granting can visit www.wishmich.org/volunteer and fill out an online application. Volunteers must be 21 years old, clear a background check, be able to commit to one year of service and complete an in-person wish granting training course.

For more, please contact Jen Boan at jboan@wishmich.org or call 800.622.9474.

Every April since 1986, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Greater Michigan Chapter has hosted the ABC Dinner Dance to raise donations for Make-A-Wish Michigan’s children. ABC has raised more than $466,000 to date for the organization.

“The continued support of ABC has had tremendous impact on our wish-granting mission through the years,” said

Karen Davis, president & CEO. “It is a beautiful event with a wonderful history of support, and we are truly honored to partner with such dedicated and compassionate professionals.”

Third-party events are instrumental in funding Michigan kids’ wishes. From golf outings and company picnics to jeans days and bowling tournaments, events are unique, customizable and

suitable for various audiences. Proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish Michigan help create life-changing experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Help bring joy into the lives of Michigan kids by visiting www.wishmich.org/organizeanevent or email wish@wishmich.org.

associated Builders and contractors continues long-time support

Sons of the american Legion post 298

The Associated

Builders and

Contractors

of Greater

Michigan have

raised more than

$466,000 to date

for Michigan

wish kids.

Sons of the American Legion Post 298 in Battle Creek raised more than $17,000 for Make-A-Wish Michigan with fundraising events in 2012.

A 2013 Harris EquiTrend®

annual poll of brand strength

found that Make-A-Wish is

now considered the No. 2

health nonprofit in America.

Spring 2013 With Our Best Wishes 11

Headquarters2300 Genoa Business Park Dr.Suite 290Brighton, MI 48114800.622.9474www.wishmich.org

Thursday, July 25 - Sunday, July 28, 2013 Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour 2013WAM 300

Sunday, July 28, 2013 WAM 50

Heroes Hurrah Ending Celebration

Saturday, October 5, 2013Walk for Wishes 2013 Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture ParkGrand Rapids

Sunday, October 20, 2013Charity Partner EventDetroit Free Press Marathon® Detroit

Visit www.wishmich.org/events for more information.

Upcoming Events

Through the generosity of the Walt Disney Company, Michigan wish kid Katlyn, 6, experienced her fondest wish to visit the Walt Disney World®

Resort. When added up, Disney’s support of Make-A-Wish nationally is in excess of $9 million annually with a majority of support coming from complimentary admission of wish families at its theme parks. Following hertrip in February, Katlyn enjoyed a welcome home party with her family (brother pictured) thrown by her wish granting volunteers.

Generosity for a princess

Make-A-Wish Michigan grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Lindsey, 12, wished to go to Hawaii

You hold the ticket to a child’s wishSm

Nearly 80 percent of Michigan wishes this year will involve air travel, requiring more than 98 million miles.

Visit wishmich.org/wishesinflight to donate your air miles and dollars to help Michigan wish kids take flight.