Featured Volunteer
AUGUST FEATURED VOLUNTEER
Lois Romano
Lois Romano of Deerfield has always been interested in helping children. As a Speech Language Pathologist at Sheppard Middle School in Deerfield, relating to children is part of her everyday routine. Fortunately for more than 30 local children battling life-threatening medical conditions, Romano is also a volunteer wish granter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.
Since 1995, Romano has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet with wish children and their families and help plan the wish of their dreams. Her enthusiasm for her volunteer work is evident and soon her students were also interested in helping the Foundation through school fundraisers.
Romano, a resident of Deerfield, knew immediately that she wanted to help grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions when she first moved to Chicago. She got involved right away and has become a key asset in helping wishes come true for so many children.
Every wish Lois has participated in has left an impact on her, but Lois says her most memorable experience was in 1999 with 13-year-old budding comedian, Jake. Jake's wish was to meet actor Robin Williams and, with help from the Make-A-Wish Foundation staff, Lois arranged for Jake to meet his idol on the set of a movie. Jake thoroughly enjoyed the day, but wanted to make it just as memorable for Williams. Jake played a practical joke on the actor that left an impression strong enough for Williams to continue their friendship through Jake's relapse with weekly phone calls. Jake soon passed away and Williams had a Redwood Tree planted in Jake's honor. Being a part of facilitating this relationship that later became an endearing friendship punctuated by humor, made for one of the more unforgettable Make-A-Wish moments for Romano.
Because of her passion for the organization, Romano brought the Kids for Wish Kids program to her school. This program is for elementary, middle and high schools throughout Illinois that gives students the opportunity to sponsor wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, while encouraging community service and promoting leadership. Sheppard Middle school raised more than $8,000 and Romano delighted in seeing the children's efforts and creativity.
"The most important thing about Lois is that the mission of Make-A-Wish is always in her heart," said Linda Parck, a Make-A-Wish staff member who has worked with Romano since her first days volunteering with the organization. "She goes above and beyond what needs to happen to fulfill a wish and is incredibly dependable and reliable. As a wish granter, she will really focus on the child to make his or her wish exciting."
Wish Families consistently rate their experience with the Foundation as highly positive, with a 99% quality rating from Wish Families.
