I was familiar with Make-A-Wish but didn’t fully comprehended its impact. I did love the mission, and contemplated becoming a wish granter, but thought it was hard to find the time. I kept it in the back of my mind. 

The fall of 2017 changed everything. My adorable 4-year-old niece, Brianna, a true warrior princess, had been battling a very rare disease since birth. She braved daily pills and injections, and tests and hospital visits. My brother and sister-in-law endured frantic 911 calls, ambulance rides and constant fear. Brianna’s disease consumed every aspect of their lives, and the mental exhaustion was beginning to show.  

In the fall of 2017, Brianna’s doctor recognized my family’s need for a break, and referred Brianna for a wish from Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Brianna knew exactly what she wanted: A Disney wish to dance and eat hot dogs with Belle! She also wished for her Aunt Leah to come along.  

That wish experience changed my family’s life and perspective. For an entire week the focus wasn’t on Brianna’s disease. It was on ice cream and amusement park rides. It was on family time, special gifts delivered to our hotel villa and deep bonds formed with other wish families. That wish inspired me to share that life-changing experience with everyone I knew.  

On our trip, Brianna asked me why every sick child didn’t get to experience a wish. I promised her that I would help her pay it forward. I immediately became a wish granter, and later a Make-A-Wish Northeast New York Board member. I still wanted to do more.  

I spoke to my PEAK Partners Team at Keller Williams. They unanimously agreed they wanted to use funds and help Brianna pay it forward. We committed to sponsoring a wish: The checks are presented at our community event, PEAKFest, each fall.  

The look on Brianna’s face when we present that check inspires me to do more and think bigger. Make-A-Wish is now always in the front of my mind. 

Leah Slocum is a wish granter and a member of the Make-A-Wish Northeast New York Board of Trustees.