Employees in MISO’s Little Rock and Carmel offices recently gathered to celebrate two deserving Wish kids. Revealing Wishes in person is fun and always renews our commitment to Make-A-Wish. Sometimes it’s hard to put into words what Wish reveals feel like. Happy tears and hugs galore, balloons and cake. For a moment the world is right, and everyone forgets what brought us all together. 

Over the years, we have met Wish kids of all ages. They are resilient and determined. There's no hiding their excitement and gratitude. The impact a Wish has on their families is evident. Wishes are a break from doctors’ visits, quality time with family and sometimes a reward for overcoming an illness.

A Wish is not just about a trip or a party. Research shows a Wish can give kids the strength to fight against and even overcome a critical illness. A Wish gives hope to children, can improve their quality of life and produces better health outcomes. Learn more about this phenomenon in a video shared by Make-A-Wish.

Little Rock Wish Kid Heads to Universal Studios

Andrew is 12 years old, and his favorite colors are red and black. He loves to be outdoors to play baseball and football, ride bikes and go fishing. He loves Pokémon and small race cars. He is friendly and outgoing.

Soon Andrew will be going to Mario World at Universal Studios in Hollywood with his mom, Kayla, and his brothers, Phoenix (8) and Hiro (17). This will be a trip to remember; quality time with family bringing a sigh of relief so they can forget about doctors and tests and be together. It is a celebration of Andrew and everything he has endured at his young age.

MISO’s Little Rock team had a blast welcoming Andrew and his family into the office for a Wish reveal full of candy and laughter. 

A Playset for a Carmel Wish Kid Hits Close to Home

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, a small group of MISO employees helped grant a Wish for a deserving four-year old, Jackson.  Jackson’s condition requires the use of a feeding tube, so he loves playing with pretend food. He wished for a playset that has a built-in toy grill and table. The playset arrived ready to assemble and team MISO gathered to tackle the project.

Upon arriving, they saw a familiar face. Jackson’s dad works for MISO! Being able to grant this Wish was an honor and a reminder that we never know what difficulties a colleague may be going through outside of the workplace. Wishes are a gift for the entire family, and we are so happy that Jackson along with his sisters Reagan (11) and Olivia (7) will enjoy the playset together.

MISO and Make-A-Wish

Since 2007, MISO employees have donated over $2.5 million dollars to local Make-A-Wish chapters. These charitable contributions resulted in the granting of more than 250 wishes for Make-A-Wish kids and their families. Additionally, each year MISO employees donate their time, energy, and enthusiasm to support Make-A-Wish families, fundraisers, and events. We are honored to have received multiple awards for our work including the 2021 Excellence in Wish Granting award, the 2017 Reach for the Stars Award, the 2016 Chris Greicius Hope Stout Award and the 2014 Chris Greicius Society of Joy Award.

We invite you to learn more about Make-A-Wish and how you can have a lasting impact on a deserving kid.