I’d just like to welcome Jill, our new internet researcher. She’s getting some really great information for our wish funding specialists and is well on her way to becoming a real “Development Diva”! We’re glad to have you, Jill! Welcome to the team!

Melissa
Development Department

I’m coming up on my one year anniversary at Kids Wish Network. My job is to raise funds for childrens wishes. My first year went by so fast and I have tons of memories, but if I could choose my favorite, I’m reminded of Kim, who turns out to be one of the most favorite wish kids I’ve worked on funding. I couldn’t wait for her to get to go to Disney World!

Kim was one of the first children I ever worked on. I spoke to so many wonderful people who wanted to help her just as much as I did. But it wasn’t just about fund
ng her wish, it was a real learning experience for me and I made a new friend with just about every person I spoke to. My favorite part was seeing the photos Kim took while on her wish. That made it very real for me.

All of these children suffer from life-threatening illnesses. As hard as it is sometimes, you have to try to put yourself in their shoes. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear all the horrible things these children face daily. Many of them have to take medication every single day. Many don’t get to go outside to play and have fun like other children. Try to imagine being sick almost every day; I can barely handle getting the flu. It’s important to remember that each child we fulfill a wish for is a truly courageous. They deal with more in a few days than what some of us deal with in a lifetime.

All the wish kids I’ve helped are special and I hope they all know what a true inspiration they are to those around them!

Megan
Development Department

It has been almost eight months since I started at Kids Wish Network. Boy has time flown by! I can’t tell you enough how lucky I am to be working at such an amazing organization.

I work in the Development Department, and my official title is Research Specialist. When we get a new “wish kid,” our department is asked to try and get the wish funded, and that’s where I come in! Before our amazing funding specialists can actually start working to fund the wish, I work my magic and research the city where the child is from. It sounds pretty easy, at least that’s what I thought, but it’s a lot of work!

I love doing what I do because as I research each new wish child, I’m learning about where they’re from and what that area is known for. I’ve heard of so many new places now that I never would’ve otherwise. Every time I research a new city, completely different from the last, it’s like an adventure!

I’m truly lucky to be doing what I’m doing because I can help so many children out there that deserve to have smiles on their faces!

I’m also very fortunate to be working with such great people, especially my “development divas!” Without these amazing women, I couldn’t do what I do.

Angela
Development Department