Construction and wish granting have a lot in common: each requires a vision, a plan, and a creative team dedicated to turning ideas into reality. That’s why Swinerton–a national construction company with a deep commitment to our local community–intuitively understands what it takes to help Hawai’i wish kids build toward brighter futures. Inspired by the “profound and lasting impact of a wish,” board member Aaron Yamasaki and his Honolulu-based team at Swinerton have become invaluable partners in creating life-changing wishes for our keiki and their ‘ohana. From granting Krayson’s wish to have a sensory clubhouse to sponsoring major annual fundraising events like Swing for Wishes and generously contributing to the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, the team at Swinerton ensures a lasting impact of their own in all they do. A heartfelt mahalo to Aaron and the entire team for sparking imagination and creating hope, one wish at a time! 

When Christie Robello’s youngest son, Joseph, was diagnosed with cancer, she felt overwhelmed with emotion. But amid the fear and anxiety surrounding his illness, the prospect of a wish ushered in hope and strength for the entire ‘ohana. From the support of her son’s wish granting volunteers to the sheer joy on Joseph’s face when his wish to meet Mickey Mouse came true, the entire journey was pure magic. Since then, Christie has devoted her time to giving back, ensuring other local families may also experience the life-changing power of a wish. As a wish granter, Christie consistently goes above and beyond to create memorable wishes of the highest quality. Her sons, Joseph and Jonah, join her in volunteering at events, and Jonah serves on the Youth Leadership Council. Even in our “wildest” dreams, we couldn’t imagine a more perfect example of the power of wishing it forward–mahalo, Christie!

Dr. Kelley Hutchins, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children, touches the lives of wish keiki every day, helping them navigate life-altering diagnoses with expert medical care and immense heart. Dr. Hutchins has seen firsthand how a wish can be an integral part of a child’s treatment plan, empowering them to envision life beyond illness. Kyra, a 16-year-old from Kapolei who credits Dr. Hutchins with saving her life, found “light and joy” from her wish to have a shopping spree during her fight with lymphoma. Dr. Hutchins has referred more than 80 patients like Kyra to Make-A-Wish Hawaii over the past six years and is an active member of our Medical Advisory Board and a volunteer Wish Granter. She is also an ardent advocate for our mission, even joining Kyra on a local news segment to inform and engage others in the community. We are proud to recognize Dr. Hutchins as our Medical Partner of the Year!

An aspiring political science major with dreams of studying on the mainland, 17-year-old Honolulu wish kid Pomai looks to the future with optimism and courage. But an unexpected leukemia diagnosis–and the ensuing nausea and holidays spent in the hospital–caused “the light in him to go out for a while,” says Pomai’s family. When his wish to go skiing in Utah came true, that light returned, allowing Pomai to once again envision life beyond illness. And with two physicians in the family who witnessed firsthand how vital hope is to healing, the entire ‘ohana has since been dedicated to giving back, spending their holidays not in the hospital but instead wishing it forward at Jingle Rock Run and other events. Pomai also serves on our Youth Leadership Council, helping to bring more transformational wishes to life for fellow keiki fighting critical illnesses. We are so proud to recognize Pomai and his ‘ohana as our wish family of the year!

The forward-thinking minds at the helm of Leadership Works–a world-class local business development and consulting company–Glenn Furuya and Debbie Bacon are expert leaders with a shared passion for investing in others. And when a chance encounter with wish kid Reece at Jingle Rock Run 10 years ago inspired them to make a sizable donation in his name, it began a truly remarkable partnership that has uplifted and empowered our entire wish ‘ohana. In addition to adopting several local wishes, Glenn and Debbie are using their natural talent for developing people and organizations to help lay the foundation for more life-changing wishes well into the future–partnering with wish kid Taiyo’s parents to establish the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund and recruiting fellow donors. Mahalo, Debbie and Glenn, for believing in our vision of reaching every eligible child in Hawaii with the power of a wish!

As a Disney® resort, bringing magic to life for children and their families is what Aulani does best. And as a longtime Make-A-Wish Hawaii partner that graciously hosts hundreds of local and visiting wish families every year, it’s no surprise that Aulani has earned our Magic Maker of the Year award! From staycations and wishes to dance with Mickey Mouse on the beach to “Wish Weeks” that bring numerous wish families together, Aulani has been the site of more than 1,575 transformational wishes over the past 10 years. Aulani also consistently supports our mission through generous donations and special touches at events like Jingle Rock Run (think Mickey Mouse-shaped treats and beloved characters in festive outfits ready to cheer on our wish kids!). We could not be more grateful to the Aulani cast for helping to give keiki with critical illnesses the opportunity to recapture the magic of their childhoods and create memories that will last a lifetime.