Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia

Since becoming a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois six years ago Shauna Thompson of Bloomington has put her whole heart into every wish she grants.  Shauna had decided once her children were older that it was time to leave her job at an insurance company and devote her energy to endeavors she never had time for in the past. She said "I feel very passionate about my work with Make-A-Wish.  I just feel like I found my niche."

As a Wish Granter and also a Wish Captain (someone who serves as a leader for wish granters in a community and as a liaison between staff and wish granters) Shauna has made every wish special and has been thrilled by the challenges of different wishes.  Wish Manager Patricia Mazukelli remarked, "As a Wish Granter Shauna always embraces the opportunity to make every wish unique whether it be a party, a room re-do or a go-cart wish.  As a wish captain she is instrumental in helping us assign wishes to area volunteers in a timely manner so no wish child is waiting for his or her wish".  However, while she thrives in all the opportunities to be creative there is always one constant in every wish she grants, smiles.  Shauna has kept a photo album of all the wishes she has granted and always enjoys looking back on the memories and joyful faces of the kids.

While Shauna is an amazing Wish Granter she is also one of Make-A-Wish's biggest supporters.  She likes to share the power of a wish and its importance many times.  Shauna loves being able to explain that we bring "something fun, happy, exciting and wonderful into these kids lives and give them something to look forward to and help them forget about being sick".

Shauna's compassion and dedication as a volunteer is what keeps Make-A-Wish Foundation the pillar of hope, strength and joy for so many deserving children throughout Illinois.