World of Wishes

In this episode of World of Wishes, we are joined by Tara Diaz, a devoted wish mom whose daughter Christina—a true warrior—experienced the wish of a lifetime: attending one of the biggest events in sports entertainment - Wrestlemania. From the very beginning of her life, Christina faced medical challenges that no child should have to endure. As an infant and young child, she experienced repeated hospitalizations before being diagnosed with genetic pancreatitis at just four years old. What followed were years of painful flare ups, extended hospital stays, emergency admissions, and relentless uncertainty. Over time, Christina’s condition worsened, ultimately leading doctors to recommend a rare, high risk surgery: a total pancreatectomy with auto islet cell transplantation—a life altering procedure performed on only a small number of pediatric patients nationwide. Tara shares in vivid detail the emotional weight of that decision, the long hours spent waiting during surgery, and the haunting moment of seeing her daughter in the ICU surrounded by machines and IV lines. But she also shares the relief that followed—knowing Christina would no longer live under the constant threat of another pancreatitis attack. Six months after surgery, Make A Wish entered their lives, opening the door to joy at a time when healing was still ongoing. Christina’s wish was clear from the start: WrestleMania. What unfolded was far more than a single night—it was a full week of magic in Philadelphia filled with VIP experiences, behind the scenes access, and unforgettable interactions with WWE superstars. From riding in limousines and meeting legends to walking alongside wrestlers during entrances and being celebrated on the world’s biggest stage, Christina was given the chance to do what she had rarely been able to do before: be a kid, fully and freely. This episode is about resilience, recovery, and the extraordinary ripple effect of a wish. Tara reflects on how the experience continues to shape Christina’s confidence, passions, and sense of purpose—and why she calls it “the wish that doesn’t stop giving.” 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!

In this special episode, we chat down with Linda Pauling - Make‑A‑Wish co‑founder and the mother of Chris Greicius, the 7‑year‑old whose wish to be a police officer helped inspire the founding of Make‑A‑Wish. Linda shares the story with vivid detail and deep heart: how Chris became Arizona’s first and only honorary Department of Public Safety officer, and how that wish brought him pride, joy, and a renewed spark at the most difficult moment.From there, Linda takes us behind the scenes of the earliest days—when a small group rolled up their sleeves, gathered what they had, and built the foundation of what would become a global wish‑granting movement. Her reflections honor the volunteers, donors, and community partners who stepped forward—proof that hope can be organized, shared, and multipliedA brief note for listeners: the organization began in an era when stories were often told through a more terminal framework; today, Make‑A‑Wish grants life‑changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, delivering hope, strength, and joy when it’s needed most. This episode is released on April 29 in honor of World Wish Day - the anniversary of the wish that inspired it all.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!

For more than a decade, Jackie Parisi and her mother Mary Ann Platt have been turning hope into reality - one wish at a time. Together, they form a remarkable mother–daughter wish‑granting team whose shared passion has helped change the lives of more than 200 wish kids and their families across Southern Florida. In this episode of World of Wishes, they reflect on how volunteering with Make‑A‑Wish became a defining part of who they are, shaping their perspectives on family, gratitude, and what truly matters.From backyard superhero celebrations to sensory‑safe bedrooms and unforgettable family experiences, Jackie and Mary Ann share powerful stories that reveal the true impact of a wish - not just for the child, but for the entire family. They explore the healing power of anticipation and the truth that wish granters often receive just as much joy as they give. It’s a heartfelt conversation about service and the lifelong ripple effect of saying yes to a wish.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!

In this special episode of World of Wishes, we sit down with Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make‑A‑Wish® Southern Florida, as he reflects on a 20‑year journey leading one of the organization’s most impactful chapters. Norm shares key moments from his tenure, the accomplishments that helped shape the chapter’s growth, and the values that have guided his leadership along the way—from expanding community partnerships to strengthening the organization’s ability to serve wish families.The conversation also dives into what it truly takes to run a successful nonprofit: building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and leading with purpose through both opportunity and challenge. As the discussion turns toward the future, Norm offers insight into what lies ahead for Make‑A‑Wish Southern Florida and how continued innovation, teamwork, and vision will help ensure that life‑changing wishes are granted for generations to come. 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!

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!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!