Michael is not a typical 16-year-old boy.  He has dealt with the realities of renal failure for most of his life.  Though he lives in Astoria, he has spent a lot of his time in treatment in Portland.  Michael wished to go to Hawaii, and in January as the plane took off for his wish, Michael’s mom Yvette cried because her son was filled with so much happiness.

Michael’s favorite part of his wish was SNUBA diving, a cross between snorkeling and scuba. He did not mind taking pictures with the lovely hula ladies either.

Michael is scheduled for a transplant at the end of the school year when his mom will give her on of her kidney’s to Michael.  He remains positive about his situation.  Michael says that when he is stressed or not feeling well, he closes his eyes and smells the flowers of Hawaii and hears the waves crashing the shoreline. 

Michael’s wish was generously sponsored by employees of The Standard through the Foundation’s Adopt-A-Wish® program.  The employees raised the money by buying permission to wear jeans on Fridays.

Mason’s Adopt-A-Wish Party

Four-year-old Mason, of Tualatin, celebrated with employees at Paramount Equity Mortgage in Lake Oswego after returning from his wish-come-true.  Mason, who has neuroblastoma, traveled to Disneyland® Resort at the end of January for his wish.  This energetic little boy was treated like a V.I.P when Paramount Equity Mortgage showered him with gifts, balloons and a special Mickey cake.  He and his family shared all of the wish details with Paramount employees, and the Foundation presented the company a plaque containing Mason’s photo. 

Paramount Equity raised $8,000 through a cause-marketing campaign in February by donating $50 for every transaction - enough to adopt Mason’s wish. 

The Foundation is currently looking for similar opportunities with other companies.  Interested groups may contact Kelly O’Malley-McKee at . 

Volunteer Spotlight: Lezli Goheen

Lezli Goheen has volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon since 1999.  During that time, she has helped grant nearly 20 wishes, worked on fundraising events and included her workplace in efforts to support wishes.

One particular wish stands out for Lezli. The wish child wanted to go to Walt Disney World® Resort.  While it’s one of the most common wishes the Foundation grants, it was special because Lezli felt it was a true wish that the family of nine would not have been able to enjoy without Make-A-Wish. 

“It’s such a happy experience,” she says.  “My involvement brings me as much joy, if not more, as the wish brings to the families.”

In addition to granting wishes, Lezli has served on the Food, Wine & Wishes auction committee for the last two years and recently involved her company, Health Net, as a statewide sponsor of the Make a Million for Make-A-Wish® campaign.

Several years ago, Lezli’s young cousin in Texas, wished to met her favorite stars on the soap opera “Passions”.  She said watching her cousin receive a wish re-affirmed her conviction that Make-A-Wish provides much needed joy and happiness for families during difficult times.