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Melissa’s WishMaker Story

Former Employee & Volunteer

Seven smiling people pose together in front of a yellow “Run for Charity” banner under a marquee; four wear numbered race bibs and medals, while three kneel in blue shirts, all making celebratory hand gestures.

My journey with Make-A-Wish began in 2013 as an intern in the Erie office of the Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter, where I had the opportunity of writing wish stories. What started as an internship quickly became a calling.

From there, I moved to Phoenix and joined the development team at Make-A-Wish America in 2014, then the marketing team at Make-A-Wish International in 2015. Along the way, I also served as a wish granter with Make-A-Wish® Arizona chapter, an experience that taught me the true power of hope, joy, and resilience.

One of the highlights of my time with Make-A-Wish International was attending a global conference, in 2016, hosted by Make-A-Wish India and meeting the amazing people who worked for the 50 affiliates around the world. Also, in 2016, when I was on vacation in Brazil, I had the chance to visit the Make-A-Wish® Brasil office.

However, when I moved to Indonesia, in 2017, I always said that something was missing. Hoping for a chance to be back with Make-A-Wish again!

This past weekend, that missing piece returned. I had the opportunity to volunteer with Make-A-Wish® Indonesia, who officially launched in October 2024. Volunteering alongside, Imelda H Lubis-Tanoyo Lourdes Sumasto Tjia and Yani Sinulingga it felt as if we had known each other for years.

Being back with the Make-A-Wish family reminded me why this mission has always been so close to my heart: to create life-changing wishes for every eligible child.

Once Make-A-Wish is in your heart, it never leaves. 💙

Four people in blue Make-A-Wish shirts stand indoors at a charity event. One man in the centre wears sunglasses and holds a banner about running marathons for charity. Smiling faces and event stalls are visible in the background.
A woman in a blue Make-A-Wish T-shirt stands at a table with Make-A-Wish merchandise, smiling and giving a thumbs up. Behind her is a Run for Charity sign and other people sitting at tables under a marquee.
Two women wearing blue Make-A-Wish shirts smile at a stall for a charity run event. The table displays promotional items and a QR code. A yellow event sign and outdoor setting are visible in the background.

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