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Make-A-Wish Southern Florida invites you into our “World of Wishes”. This podcast will give you an insider’s perspective on how wishes are granted and those that play a significant role in granting them.
Serving children and families in 22 counties in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the Tampa Bay and Suncoast regions and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is our mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
To learn more about how you can help make wishes come true, visit us on the web at sfla.wish.org. You can also connect with us @makeawishsfla on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Serving children and families in 22 counties in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the Tampa Bay and Suncoast regions and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is our mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
To learn more about how you can help make wishes come true, visit us on the web at sfla.wish.org. You can also connect with us @makeawishsfla on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
44 Episodes
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In episode 42 of “World of Wishes”, we visit with Alex de Armas, longtime morning anchor on WSVN Channel 7 in Miami and a passionate Make-A-Wish Southern Florida ambassador, volunteer wish granter, and event host. Born and raised in Miami, Alex shares her deep connection to the community she serves both on and off the air. For Alex, giving back isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a calling. “When you love it, there’s nothing stopping you,” she says, and that love shines through as she recounts the unforgettable moments she’s experienced while granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. With touching stories, raw emotion, and a genuine heart for service, Alex reveals why she calls Make-A-Wish “her baby”—and how each wish leaves a lasting mark not just on the lives of the children, but on hers as well. 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!
When Quinton, an energetic young boy, was diagnosed with leukemia, his world changed—but his spirit never dimmed. In this moving episode of World of Wishes, we hear from Quinton’s mom, Lorna Swett, to hear how a single wish brought a spark of joy, adventure, and healing to their lives. Quinton’s dream was to meet the Bucket List Family—famous travel journalists based in Maui—and what followed was nothing short of magical. From surfing and boogie boarding to sharing tacos and heartwarming conversations, this experience wasn’t just a break from illness—it was a life-affirming journey filled with hope, laughter, and unforgettable memories.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!
When Mila, a bright and determined young girl, wished for a horse to be named after her, her grandfather Bill Beckley never imagined how deeply it would impact their family. In this episode of World of Wishes, Bill shares the unforgettable journey of Mila’s wish—from the naming of the horse, to the electric atmosphere of race day, to the tear-filled celebration in the winner’s circle. It’s a story of hope, connection, and the magic that happens when the horse racing community comes together to make one child feel truly special.Click here to watch Mila's Wish win the race!https://vimeo.com/1113374633?share=copyLearn more about how YOU can make an impact at https://wish.org/sfla!Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!Follow, 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!
Fifteen years ago, 4-year-old Madi Simon's wish came true when she visited Walt Disney World. Today, she’s a nursing student, Disney College Program alum, and a passionate advocate for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida through her pageant platform. In this heartwarming episode, Madi shares how her journey with congenital heart disease and her magical stay at Give Kids the World Village inspired her life path—and how the wish experience remains her guiding light.Learn more about how YOU can make an impact at https://wish.org/sfla!Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn!Follow, 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!
On this special episode of World of Wishes we meet with Michelle Langlois. When Michelle's son Noah, who has spent his entire life in a hospital, wished for a backyard playset, it was more than a request — it was a path to freedom. Michelle opens up about the impact of Noah’s wish: a playset tailored to his needs, providing therapeutic movement, age-appropriate fun, and a much-needed escape from hospital walls. She reflects on how this simple yet powerful wish changed their everyday lives and gave her hope as a mother. With deep gratitude, Michelle shares her thanks to the generous donors who gave Noah the gift of play — and a glimpse of normal childhood joy. Learn more about how YOU can make an impact 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!
Join us as we dive into Delaney Eaves’ unforgettable journey from Chi Omega sorority member to swashbuckling wish granter with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.When Mason, a young boy from Minnesota, wished to be a pirate, Delaney stepped in to bring the high-seas fantasy to life. At Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, Mason explored a pirate ship, dueled with swords, found buried treasure, crafted pirate hats, and spied on the horizon with a telescope — all with the power of pirates by his side. Hear how Delaney stayed in character from start to finish and how this experience brought her full circle from her college support of Make-A-Wish to becoming part of the magic herself.
Join us for this episode of World of Wishes, where we meet with Andy Cunningham, wish dad and member of the Tampa Bay Advisory Board. Andy's daughter Kennedy had a dream come true when she met Joanna Gaines on the set of Magnolia Table. While battling leukemia, Kennedy’s wish brought back the joy, love, and energy that cancer and treatment had taken away. Andy shares the profound impact of Kennedy’s experience, the kindness of Joanna, her husband Chip and the Magnolia team, and how a single wish can bring hope and a renewed spirit in the toughest times.Learn more about how YOU can make an impact 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 the 36th episode of World of Wishes, we sit down with Elyse Miller, a rockstar volunteer of over 30 years!From meeting celebrities to traveling the world, Elyse has helped make dreams come true by granting over 400 unique wishes in the Tampa Bay area. As a dedicated volunteer, she has spent countless hours working closely with wish kids and their families, listening to their stories, understanding their hopes, and turning their visions into reality. Elyse brings compassion, creativity, and commitment to every wish she helps grant. Through her stories, we gain insight into her deep passion for volunteering and the joy she finds in building meaningful connections with the families she serves. Her selfless dedication is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have through kindness, empathy, and the simple act of giving their time.Learn more about how YOU can make an impact 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 our 35th episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Sara Faella, a devoted Wish Mom, about her daughter’s inspiring journey to receiving a Disney Cruise wish after facing a challenging diagnosis. Sara opened up about the emotional highs and lows of their experience, the impact of the wish on their family, and how Make-A-Wish provides a beacon of hope for families navigating difficult medical journeys. She shared heartfelt moments and the lasting joy it has brought to their lives, while also sharing how her family stays connected to Make-A-Wish.Learn more about how YOU can make an impact 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 our 34th episode, we spoke with Chuck Stauffer, a Wish Dad and Chair of the Southwest Florida Advisory Board.Chuck shared how his son's Make-A-Wish experience has had a lasting impact on his family and holds a special place in his heart. Chuck also talks about the importance of a wish and how donors and sponsors help create the magic of wishes.Learn more about how YOU can make an impact 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 our 33rd episode, we welcomed Sherri Gutierrez, a dedicated volunteer and leader who served as Chair of Walk For Wishes Broward and a board member for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida since 2015.Sherri shared how she brought joy and hope to countless lives as a wish granter, fundraiser, and the lead architect of the Finker-Frenkel Wish House in Miami. She reflected on her journey, what motivated her, and how rewarding it was to make a difference.Learn more about how YOU can become a wish granter like Sherri at https://wish.org/sfla!Join us at Walk For Wishes Broward on January 25, 2025! Learn more at https://walkforwishessfla.net/event-detailsBe 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!
Join us for Episode 32 of World of Wishes, where we hear the heartwarming story of Wish Mom Becky Kight and her son Pierce, whose dream of becoming a candymaker brought sweetness to a challenging journey. Becky shares how Pierce’s wish arrived just when they needed it most, bringing joy and resilience to their family during a critical phase of his treatment.Learn more about how YOU can become a wish granter and make wishes come true for children like Pierce 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!
"After so long in the hospital, it's really nice to let go and let yourself feel pampered and feel special." - Maia DiazIn Episode 31 of World of Wishes, host Richard Kelly sat down with Wish Alumnus Maia Diaz, who reflected on her 2014 wish to go on a Mediterranean cruise.Maia opened up about her journey living with a chronic illness, how her wish inspired her career, and her passion to help bring more wishes to life for others.See here for photos from Maia's wish!To make a donation that impacts a child's life like Maia's, click here!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit https://wish.org/sfla.Check us out on social media @makeawishsfla: 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 me, in my heart, I truly believe there is no cancer-free if there is no Make-A-Wish." - Marina DiezIn our 30th episode of World Of Wishes, we celebrate the start of Wimbledon with a special guest, Wish Alumnus Marina Diez, who wished to go to Wimbledon back in 2008.As a rising tennis star on her journey to becoming a world champion, Marina opens up about her second chance at life, her newfound purpose, and how her wish gave her the strength to fight cancer. Check out photos from her wish at worldofwishespodcast.orgTo make a donation that impacts a child's life like Marina's, click here!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit https://wish.org/sfla.Check us out on social media @makeawishsfla: 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!
"I look back and I see a kid really stoked about some science...and I'm still that kid." - Juliana BachIn episode 29 of World of Wishes, Wish Alum Juliana Bach, who wished to be a scientist back in 2007, talked about her life-long love of science. Her wish led her to visit MIT, sparking a passion that has stayed with her ever since. Today, she is pursuing her bachelor's degree in science, continuing to follow her dream.To make a donation that impacts a child's life like Juliana, click here!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit https://wish.org/sfla.Check us out on social media @makeawishsfla: 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!
"It's amazing to be able to impact other people's lives that haven't been through what I've been through." - Grace LightbodyIn episode 28 of World of Wishes, Wish Alum Grace Lightbody, who wished to go to Hawaii back in 2013, talked about how her wish saved her life. She is a fixture at Make-A-Wish events here in South Florida and is currently in her "giving era."To make a donation that impacts a child's life like Grace, click here!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit https://wish.org/sfla.Check us out on social media @makeawishsfla: 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 Episode 27 of World of Wishes - Wish Dad Adam Peacock, whose daughter Kinsley wished to go on a Disney cruise in 2020, talks about how she spent her 6th birthday in style with Mickey, Minnie and their friends.Adam speaks about Kinsley's brave battle with retinoblastoma, the impact of the wish experience, how their charity - Kinsley's Cookie Cart - was born, and the impact they're making on child warriors battling cancer.Learn more about how YOU can become a wish granter and make wishes come true for children like Kinsley 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!
"Being able to watch a basketball game that close will forever be one of the coolest things in my life." - Tyler GutzmerIn episode 26 of World of Wishes, Wish Alum Tyler Gutzmer, who wished to be a Miami HEAT Broadcaster back in 2012, talked about how his real-life heroes treated him like family. Tyler spoke about how his wish still resonates with him today - more than 11 years later! To make a donation that impacts a child's life, click here!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit https://wish.org/sfla.See footage from Tyler's wish on @makeawishsfla: 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 Episode 25 of World Of Wishes, Make-A-Wish Board of Directors - Gal Bensaadon and Brian Exelbert - discuss founding Wings For Wishes - a chicken wing competition and premiere block party in its' 10th year.They also talk about what's in store for this years' event and how they've turned their passion into granting hundreds of wishes for children throughout their communities.Your generous support transforms lives, one wish at a time. Join us at our events today at https://wish.org/sfla/our-events!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit us at https://wish.org/sflaBe 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!
It's been 1 Year of World of Wishes!In Episode 24 of World Of Wishes, we’re calling back to our first episode and sitting down with our chapter’s President & CEO, Norm Wedderburn. He discussed the state of our chapter - Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, running a non-profit in today's world, the opening of the Finker-Frenkel Wish House in Miami (coming soon!), and much more.Thank you for supporting this podcast by listening, rating, & reviewing!Find out how YOU can become a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida at https://wish.org/sfla/volunteerTo make a donation to impact a child's life, click here!To learn more about us as a chapter, visit us at https://wish.org/sflaBe 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!
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