The Wish House Podcast

Our guests in this episode are wish parents and volunteers, Jasmin & Eric Lundgren.

In 2019, their daughter Sydney was granted her wish to go to Walt Disney World and since experiencing the power of a wish, they've become strong supporters of our chapter.

By donating time at our events and campaigns, they've been able to provide joy for others trying to pay it forward for everything they've received through Make-A-Wish.

Our guests in this episode are Ashlyn Appelbaum, Lynnie Marina, and Nancy Stricker. When it comes to granting wishes, Lynnie, Ashlyn, and Nancy are well versed in working on the frontlines.

From working with vendors and contractors to adapting as wishes are reimagined, our wish coordinators showcase the importance of community and the impact that an individual can have in the life of a child.

Our guest in this episode is longtime chapter supporter, Jamie Kudla. From helping us upgrade our tech to working on custom computer builds with wish kids, sponsoring events to stepping in during an emergency, Jamie and the team at Tarrytech provide professional support while helping us transform lives, one wish at a time.

Our guest in this episode is staff member, Grace DeRosa. In 2019, Grace joined our team as an intern, lending her talent and skillset (and the cute puppies she was raising for The Seeing Eye) to our program staff as she assisted our wish coordinators.

Now, as the newest staff member, Grace assists in all-things operations, working to ensure that everyone on staff is able to effectively raise the money needed to grant the wishes of kids throughout the Hudson Valley.

Our guests this week include a wish dad, wish sibling, and wish alum - what do they all have in common, they're all Make-A-Wish employees.

We chat with them about their experiences and how they're giving thanks and paying it forward, for all they've received through our transformative mission.

Our guests in this episode are Registered Nurse, Christina Barbieri and Wish alum, Kelly McConologue. From caregiver and patient to becoming friends and volunteers, this episode showcases what Christina Barbieri calls a “full-circle moment”.

When wish kid Kelly McConologue was receiving treatment at the Infusion Center, she struck up a life-long friendship with Christina, a Registered Nurse. Their paths crossed once again when they both volunteered for our Walk for Wishes walkathon, and in this episode, they share what keeps bringing them back to Make-A-Wish.

As a volunteer, chapter supporter, and recently appointed Board Chair, George Whitehead’s experience with nonprofit engagement now includes bearing witness to the hope a wish can bring. Since joining the Board in 2019, George has supported various fundraisers and recently was witness to a milestone wish reveal.

In this episode, we chat with Gino Cabrera, proprietor for Aviated Precision, a multi-service business based out of Irvington, NY in Westchester County.

Aviated has helped elevate the chapter's ability to share content with our wish families and supporters through their drone work, video, and livestream services.

Our guest in this episode is staff member, Sara Rizzi. We chat all about Walk for Wishes walkathon that took place on Sunday, October 17th at FDR State Park. It was our first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic and we were blown away by the support of our community and how together they raised over $185,000 for local wish kids!

Since 2009, Brian Doyle has been hooked to Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley thanks to a chance encounter at a local chamber meeting. His kindness, dedication, and commitment to community has shone through his support of our events and the fundraisers hosted by JP Doyle’s Restaurant.

Brian and his friends have had a profound impact on the work carried out at the Wish House, and the support of his community has enabled us to work together as we grant the wishes of kids throughout the Hudson Valley.