In this episode, Zoo Miami legend and Make‑A‑Wish champion Ron Magill joins us for an unforgettable conversation about animals, empathy, and the transformative power of a wish.

Ron reflects on his 45‑year journey from zookeeper to global ambassador for wildlife, sharing how early encounters with animals shaped his life—and how those same connections now help wish kids momentarily escape illness and rediscover joy. From feeding giraffes and meeting cheetahs to reopening the zoo during COVID for a single wish child, Ron reveals the responsibility, emotion, and privilege behind each wish experience.

He explores the lasting impact wishes have not only on children, but on parents, caregivers, and everyone involved - including the remarkable Zoo Miami team that makes these moments possible. This episode is a moving reminder that when animals and compassion come together, magic happens—and those memories last a lifetime.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

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In this episode, John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinator Shelly Screen shares why she considers a wish as essential as any medical protocol. With over two decades of experience, Shelly has referred hundreds of children - and witnessed firsthand how a wish can reduce stress, improve compliance, and bring families back together.

Hear stories of remarkable wishes: a teen who met Lionel Messi, a young artist who designed her dream “she shed,” and a Florida boy who saw snow for the first time. Shelly explains why timing matters, how anticipation lifts spirits, and why every referral starts a ripple of hope that lasts a lifetime.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

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In this heart lifting episode, wish alumnus PJ Ragin shares how his 2019 wish turned into a full day of Hollywood magic on the set of Black-ish. From a limo pickup and welcome swag to watching scenes with the directors, recording a one take opening monologue, and dancing onto the living room set, PJ’s story is brimming with joyful surprises—like Anthony Anderson personally making him a tuna sandwich and Tracee Ellis Ross greeting his parents with a hug.

PJ reflects on facing cancer at 11, the support of his family and church, and why he now gives back - emceeing Make-A-Wish events, championing joy, and dreaming big in performance. It’s a reminder that a wish can lift a child, a family, and everyone watching.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

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In this episode of The World of Wishes Podcast we meet wish alumnus Lauren Potter. A top junior Olympian at 13, Lauren was a relentless competitor—until a rare, unnamed autoimmune disease left her gasping for breath. After months in Boston Children’s Hospital and six rounds of chemotherapy, she chose hope over fear. When her doctor recommended Make‑A‑Wish, Lauren celebrated her recovery with an active, adventurous wish: surfing her first wave on Waikiki Beach, ATV trails through Kualoa Ranch, ziplining across thousand‑foot valleys, and a sunset on the North Shore that felt like peace.

Years later, she committed to Yale volleyball, mentored other pulmonary patients, thanked her wish sponsors from the stage, and found her career intersecting with our Miami home—the Finker‑Frenkel Wish House—bringing her journey full circle.

In this episode, Lauren shares how positivity, family, and a single wish can fuel a decade of momentum—and why she proudly wears “Wish Kid” as a badge of honor.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

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In this episode of The World of Wishes Podcast, Julie Torsiello shares her family's inspiring journey through her daughter Gemma’s unexpected leukemia diagnosis just before her fifth birthday. Julie’s candid reflections offer listeners a glimpse into the emotional challenges and resilience that shaped their experience, painting a heartfelt portrait of Gemma—an energetic six-year-old with a deep love for animals whose wish for an adventure at Zoo Miami was granted in 2025. Gemma’s wish was a milestone moment, marking the 15,000th wish granted by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

The episode highlights the anticipation and joy surrounding Gemma’s magical wish day, revealing how the experience provided both healing and wonder for Gemma and her loved ones. Through this moving story, listeners experience the transformative power of hope, community, and compassion, and are reminded of the lasting impact that celebrating life’s milestones can have for children and families facing adversity.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

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In episode 45 of “World of Wishes”, we chat with wish alum Courtney Priede, whose journey from chronic illness to a life-changing adventure will leave you inspired. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 12 years old, Courtney endured years of hospital stays, surgeries, and emotional challenges during some of the most formative years of her life. But through it all, she held onto hope—and when her doctor referred her to Make-A-Wish, Courtney dared to dream big.

Courtney shares how she wished for an unforgettable family trip to Australia, where she swam in the Great Barrier Reef, explored the Outback, and rediscovered joy with her loved ones. Now more than a decade later, she reflects on the lasting impact of that experience, the strength it gave her, and why she continues to give back as a passionate ambassador for Make-A-Wish. This is a story of resilience and the impact of a wish fulfilled. With touching stories, raw emotion, and a genuine heart for service, Alex reveals why she calls Make-A-Wish “her baby”—and how each wish leaves a lasting mark not just on the lives of the children, but on hers as well.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

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In this inspiring episode of The World of Wishes, we sit down with Shareef Malnik - Board Chair Emeritus, Chairman of the Capital and Endowment Campaign, and the 20-year Chair of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball. Shareef opens up about his deep-rooted connection to Make-A-Wish, describing the mission as part of his DNA. From leading one of the most iconic philanthropic events in South Florida to spearheading transformative campaigns, his journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and enduring legacy.

Listeners will hear Shareef reflect on the people who’ve stood beside him - donors, volunteers, and visionaries - whose support has fueled every milestone. With heartfelt gratitude and unwavering commitment, he shares how collective generosity has shaped the success of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and why the power of a wish continues to inspire him year after year. This episode is a celebration of leadership, legacy, and the extraordinary spirit of one man’s mission to make dreams come true.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!

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In episode 42 of “World of Wishes”, we visit with Alex de Armas, longtime morning anchor on WSVN Channel 7 in Miami and a passionate Make-A-Wish Southern Florida ambassador, volunteer wish granter, and event host. Born and raised in Miami, Alex shares her deep connection to the community she serves both on and off the air.

For Alex, giving back isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a calling. “When you love it, there’s nothing stopping you,” she says, and that love shines through as she recounts the unforgettable moments she’s experienced while granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.

With touching stories, raw emotion, and a genuine heart for service, Alex reveals why she calls Make-A-Wish “her baby”—and how each wish leaves a lasting mark not just on the lives of the children, but on hers as well.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!

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When Quinton, an energetic young boy, was diagnosed with leukemia, his world changed—but his spirit never dimmed. In this moving episode of World of Wishes, we hear from Quinton’s mom, Lorna Swett, to hear how a single wish brought a spark of joy, adventure, and healing to their lives. Quinton’s dream was to meet the Bucket List Family—famous travel journalists based in Maui—and what followed was nothing short of magical. From surfing and boogie boarding to sharing tacos and heartwarming conversations, this experience wasn’t just a break from illness—it was a life-affirming journey filled with hope, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla!

Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!

Subscribe, Rate, & Review this podcast to support future episodes that will feature wish kids and parents' past and present, volunteers, donors, referral sources and everyone who contributes to this World of Wishes!

When Mila, a bright and determined young girl, wished for a horse to be named after her, her grandfather Bill Beckley never imagined how deeply it would impact their family.

In this episode of World of Wishes, Bill shares the unforgettable journey of Mila’s wish—from the naming of the horse, to the electric atmosphere of race day, to the tear-filled celebration in the winner’s circle.

It’s a story of hope, connection, and the magic that happens when the horse racing community comes together to make one child feel truly special.

Click here to watch Mila's Wish win the race!

https://vimeo.com/1113374633?share=copy

Learn more about how YOU can make an impact at https://wish.org/sfla!

Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!

Follow, rate, & review this podcast to support future episodes that will feature wish kids and parents' past and present, volunteers, donors, referral sources and everyone who contributes to this World of Wishes!