Read all about our Webmaster Laura Amato’s experience interning at Make-A-Wish Central New York this summer!

By: Laura Amato

Each day as a PR/Communications intern at Make-A-Wish Central New York, I not only get to execute strategy, promote social media campaigns, and combine excel spreadsheets, I am also able to learn the true power of a wish.

Most people don’t know the true statistics about a wish nor who is qualified to receive one. Most people think that wishes are for “terminal” and “dying” children or for children diagnosed with cancer. None of which are true. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions ages 2 ½ to 18 years old. Although these children may have cancer, many of them do not.

Another misconception is that it is “sad” to work at Make-A-Wish because of the dying children. Many of the children we grant wishes for actually live fulfilling lives! Last year’s calendar featured 12 different wish kids and highlighted “where they are now.” Even our chapter’s social media & blog manager was a wish kid!

My Make-A-Wish Cubicle

Make-A-Wish is a wonderful joyful place to work with supportive and collaborative employees. They also value their interns. As an intern I have the opportunity to create my own strategy for the “Kids for Wish Kids” and “Wishmakers On Campus” fundraising programs to be implemented in the future. Both of these programs encourage students K-12 and college students to raise money and awareness for MAW. It is extremely inspirational to see younger children’s ambition and motivation to raise money for kids just like them.

Working at Make-A-Wish is inspirational. I hear the wish kid stories, learn about their wish details, and see the enthusiasm and excitement when they talk about them. Wishes truly change lives and bring hope, strength, and joy to children in a dark time. I enjoy my time at Make-A-Wish and am in awe by the work the Central New York Chapter has done. This is the chapter’s 30^th year in existence and they have granted over 1500 wishes to children in Central New York. Make-A-Wish is an incredible charity that I am honored to be a part of!

** Check out this trailer for “Batkid Begins”. This documentary tells the story of child’s wish “to be Batkid” in San Francisco. This video truly encompasses everything that Make-A-Wish is and does to make wishes come true! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMUw4Ndpbdw