Juan is 7 years old. At the age of 4, he was diagnosed with a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Instead of playing soccer with his friends, Juan was enduring chemotherapy, hospitals and many doctor visits. 

Juan loves Nerf guns, toy cars, soccer and playing Minecraft.  His favorite candy is sweet tarts and his favorite musician is his Music Teacher! His smile lights up a room. 
Juan’s wish to have a shopping spree has been granted! On Super Bowl Sunday, Juan and his entire family were picked up in a stretch limousine. The red carpet was rolled out for Juan as he arrived at each stop. He shopped for Nerf guns, games, toys and electronics until he couldn’t shop anymore! The day was capped off with a visit to his favorite buffet restaurant. Juan couldn’t believe he was able to shop for everything he wanted, and his wish put a giant smile on his face. A wish gives children renewed energy and strength, brings together families and unites communities. A wish isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. 
I wish to HAVE a
shopping spree
Juan, 7
cancer

A wish is transformational, not only to the wish kids and their families, but to the numerous volunteers, donors and medical professionals who support it.
So Much Happening With: Staff
Make-A-Wish Idaho welcomes new staff member Josh Peterson as our new Communications and Development Coordinator. His primary role will be leading our social media and communications programs. Originally from Iowa, Josh has lived all over the country. He cut his teeth writing for start-ups and news websites in Los Angeles, received his Master's in Creative Writing from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and earned his keep doing golf course marketing and magazine writing in the greater Austin area. He and his wife, an Idaho native, have settled in Boise with their ragtag gaggle of rescue animals.  
We are proud to announce that Julie Thomas has been promoted to Regional Director! Julie has served as Regional Manager for Make-A-Wish Idaho for more than 15 years, working out of Pocatello. She will continue to grant wishes and coordinate events while developing even more relationships and ensuring we are reaching every eligible child in Eastern Idaho! We are fortunate to have Julie’s background, knowledge, and history with the organization driving the Make-A-Wish mission in so much of our great state.
 If you would like to get involved in Eastern Idaho, please contact Julie at 208.238.9474.
The staff of Make-A-Wish Idaho works hard to ensure that the wish of every eligible child is granted. From operations to fundraising to wish delivery, they are all committed to making sure that kids throughout the state of Idaho can have the magical experience of wish.  
Above from left to right: Helene Peterson, Development and Special Events Manager; Mo Carreon, Mission Delivery Coordinator; Mecale McAtee, Volunteer Engagement Manager; Julie Thomas, Regional Director; Janie Best, President and CEO; Michelle Juarez, Wish Coordinator; Brenda Young, Director of Mission Delivery; Renée Beal, Director of Operations. Not pictured: Josh Peterson, Communications and Development Coordinator.

Below from left to right: Renée Beal; Mo Carreon; Janie Best; Michelle Juarez; Mecale McAtee; Julie Thomas; Brenda Young; Helene Peterson. Not pictured: Josh Peterson
Spotlight on: The Board
Brad Christensen has been a board member of Make-A-Wish Idaho since 2016. He became involved when his cousin and her family went on a wish trip after she had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Seeing their family have that bonding experience was a like ray of sunshine in the middle of a dark storm of doctor appointments, medications, and hospital stays. His favorite part of being involved with Make-A-Wish is seeing the parents express their appreciation for the moments of serenity that having a wish provides. He says, "I've given time, effort, and money to other causes, but none of them has ever been nearly as rewarding as this one. It's the child's wish, but the whole family benefits. It is a beautiful experience."

Brad and his wife, Nicole, have four children and live in Boise where he works as an Investment Advisor. He has been involved in politics, previously serving as Executive Assistant to former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, as well as on the City Council in Ammon, Idaho. When he's not working or volunteering, he enjoys reading, writing, outdoor recreation, and especially international travel. He lived in the Basque country in Spain for two years and speaks Spanish fluently. He graduated from Boise State University where he played lacrosse and participated in student leadership.
Spotlight on: Volunteers
My name is Susan Martorello and between my husband and I we have four adult children, five grandchildren and a precious little dog called Malia Kai. We soon hope to have two more “bonus” grandchildren, one from Washington and one from South Africa. Our favorite travel spots are Maui and Newsome, which is where we have a home in the mountains. When I retired in 2002 from “corporate America,” I knew I wanted to do something that had lasting value. I now had the time to dedicate to finding my new purpose in life. I followed my heart and that led me to my love of animals, the elderly and children.

Fast forward to 2020. I began volunteering for Make-a-Wish Idaho in 2016 and to date have had the joy and privilege of working with nine precious children and their families in helping to ease the burden of their illness, by fulfilling a dream, a wish that would bring them happiness in the midst of their trials. Their joy in having a wish come true is contagious; and to this day I shed a tear of happiness every time a wish is revealed and fulfilled.  I have indeed found my (re)newed purpose in life
Save the Date
The 6 th Annual Walk for Wishes Boise to be held Friday, June 5th, 2020 at Esther Simplot Park in Boise, Idaho. This year’s walk will again be held in conjunction with Music on the Water, a music festival taking place in Esther Simplot Park on June 5 & 6.

Powered by wish kids and families, volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors, and friends, Walk For Wishes is a fundraiser that celebrates the wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. There is no registration fee for this event. However, we ask that each walker raise $100 for Idaho wish kids. Each participant that raises $100 or more will receive a commemorative Walk for Wishes T-shirt!  For more information, please contact Helene Peterson or call 208.297.6727.
Want to Make Wishes Come True?
A Wish is the Gift of Being a Kid Again
Volunteer wish granters bring that gift to life by infusing magic, connection, and joy into the process. If you love children, enjoy being creative, and have great attention to detail, wish granting might be the perfect fit for you. Our volunteers help wish children remember to look forward to something positive during a difficult time. Be the bright spot in a child’s life! Email Mecale McAtee , our Volunteer Engagement Manager or call 208.297.6837 for more information. Can't wait another minute? START THE PROCESS NOW!
What You Need to Know About the New Retirement Plan Laws
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was enacted Jan. 1, 2020, and with it came the most significant changes to retirement plans since 2006. Click here to see what stayed the same and what changed. 

Use your retirement plan to transform lives. There are many ways you can still use your IRA and other retirement plan assets to support Make-A-Wish. Contact us today to learn more.