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.

In this episode, we chat with volunteers Anthony Giudice & Liz Selzer. Together, they helped set the foundation for the chapter's Alumni Committee which was established in 2006. The committee holds the distinction of being the first-ever wish alumni group to be established throughout the Make-A-Wish organization.

In this episode, we chat with chapter supporter, Jen Ritz. Since 2013, Jen and Jason’s Army have been committed to paying it forward. Inspired by and in memory of their friend Jason Needle, they have participated in our annual Walk for Wishes since 2015, raising over $30,000 for wish kids throughout the Hudson Valley. Their dedication to the hope that a wish can provide is rooted in the power of giving back, and the passion and community supporting them is helping us to transform lives, one wish at a time.

In this episode, we chat with chapter supporter and former staff member, Allyson (Ally) Curtis. For Ally working at Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley left an indelible mark on her life. During her tenure on staff with the chapter, Ally oversaw volunteers and event management - including our upcoming Walk for Wishes walkathon which she helped establish 18 years ago.

In this episode, we chat with volunteer, chapter supporter and Board Director, Jason Kaplan. Jason’s introduction to our chapter in 2015 has evolved from event attendee to now serving on the Board of Directors. His engagement with events and his own DIY fundraiser has directly impacted wish kids in the Hudson Valley, while inspiring and providing hope to those around him.

In this episode we hear from wish sibling, wish granter, and former Board Director. Jessica Rosh and her unique perspective on all-things Make-A-Wish - her favorite thing to talk about. Her brother David’s 1989 wish to meet the President of the United States (POTUS) inspired her continued engagement, from volunteer to chapter supporter and a seat on the board of directors.

Our guest in this episode is Volunteer Coordinator, Jillian Rodriguez. Jillian is responsible for recruiting and training our chapter volunteers. Throughout the pandemic, she has been instrumental in assisting the volunteers with ever-changing guidelines and procedures as we navigate through these uncertain times.

Our guest in this episode is staff member, Sara Rizzi. We chat all about our upcoming event, Walk for Wishes, on Sunday, October 17th at FDR State Park. It's our first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic so we're excited to get back out there and connect with our local supporters. Wishes are waiting so we are walking!

Our guest in this episode is Chapter supporter and Board Director, Robert (Bob) Fuhrer. Since the early 90’s, Bob’s involvement with our chapter has greatly contributed to the success that we still see today.

Our guest in this episode is wish sibling, chapter supporter, and volunteer, JohnDavid (JD) Gonzalez. JD's brother Robbie, received a Disney wish and he shares how it motivated him to give back to the community.⁠ JD now organizes fundraisers for the chapter to support his efforts with our annual Walk for Wishes walkathon.

In this episode, we chat with volunteer, Ashley Reisler. Since 2009, Ashley has seen the power of a wish not only in the lives of the children we serve but in her own life as well. Over the past 12 years, Ashley has been an intern, volunteer, and trained wish granter and has seen the wish process from many sides. Through those transformative experiences she has inspired those around her to get involved in their local community and make a difference in the lives of wish kids.