Make-A-Wish Arizona hosts annual volunteer recognition events to celebrate and honor the incredible impact of our 500+ volunteers across the state who help bring life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
These events are not only a heartfelt thank you, but also a joyful opportunity to reflect on the power of wishes, share inspiring stories, and build connections among volunteers from all corners of Arizona. With fun activities, great food, and plenty of laughter, these celebrations are a chance for volunteers to relax, be appreciated, and collaborate with one another—strengthening our community as we continue to create hope together.
Our community is comprised of more than 500 volunteers across Arizona, representing a variety of ages, backgrounds and industries.
Whether you have been with Make-A-Wish Arizona for one month or 30 years, we are so grateful for your commitment and contribution to our mission.
Volunteer of the Month: A Shining Star in Our Mission
Being named Volunteer of the Month is a special honor that celebrates an individual’s outstanding dedication, compassion, and impact on the Make-A-Wish Arizona community. These volunteers go above and beyond to bring hope and joy to wish kids and families — and their efforts truly help make wishes come true. We’re proud to recognize their inspiring commitment and the difference they make every day.
September 2026 VOTM – Nick Ghiz
For Nick Ghiz, giving back has never been about filling spare time. It is about what he wants to do with the time he has.
“What do you want your legacy to be?” Nick said. “Do I want to live my life with some meaning and some purpose, and hopefully leave it a little bit better than I found it?”
It is a question that has shaped nearly a decade of Nick’s life as a Make-A-Wish Arizona volunteer, one wish at a time.
Read Nick's full story: Meet Nick Ghiz: A Decade of Wishes and Giving Back | Make-A-Wish
August 2026 VOTM – Jackie Nguyen
“My wish granters would sometimes surprise me with little drop-offs and things like that,” Jackie said. “They were actually interested in learning about my story and seeing who I am beyond someone who was diagnosed with cancer.” - Jackie
That experience inspired Jackie to return to the organization — this time as a volunteer.
“I thought if I could bring that joy to other kids, that it could alleviate the pain and the suffering that they’re going through, as well as the family,” she said.
Read Jackie's full story: Meet Jackie Nguyen: Giving Hope Forward | Make-A-Wish
July 2026 VOTM – Alex Becker
“If I can get someone to volunteer with Make-A-Wish, even if it’s just for one wish, I’m tapping into their heart,” Alex said. “I feel like you have a lifelong supporter once they see the impact.” - Alex Becker
Alex first experienced the impact of a wish through her cousin, whose wish to visit the beach gave their family unforgettable moments together. While she didn’t fully understand the power behind that experience when she was younger, the mission stayed with her.
“It leaves a footprint well beyond the one individual,” Alex said.
Read Alex's full story: Meet Alex Becker: Creating Moments That Leave a Lasting Footprint | Make-A-Wish
June 2026 VOTM – Necco Stevens
“I want to be a person that’s known for giving back. I feel like it’s my duty to do my part to make the world a better place while I’m here.” - Necco Stevens 💙
Meet Necco, a volunteer WishMaker who helps families navigate the wish journey while celebrating every milestone along the way. From helping families prepare for their very first trip to witnessing the joy and excitement a wish brings to parents, siblings and loved ones, Necco continues to create meaningful moments for wish families across Arizona. ✨
“It’s something that I take as a privilege,” she shared. “I get to do this.”
Read Necco's full story: Meet Necco Stevens: The Joy in Giving Back | Make-A-Wish
May 2026 VOTM – Dave Upchurch
For Dave Upchurch, volunteering with Make-A-Wish Arizona started with a simple willingness to try something new while giving back. What he found instead was something that would stay with him for years.
“I was probably the least likely person to have volunteered for Make-A-Wish,” Dave said.
Without children of his own and little experience around serious illness, Dave wasn’t sure what to expect. The idea of working closely with children facing critical health challenges felt unfamiliar, even outside his comfort zone, yet he showed up anyway.
Read Dave's full story: Meet Dave Upchurch: Showing Up with Purpose | Make a Wish
April 2026 VOTM – Terri Amabisca
Terri Amabisca has been a WishMaker since 1994, and 30 years later, she’s still showing up with the same joy and commitment. From supporting events to serving as a volunteer airport greeter, she helps wish kids and their families begin their journeys with care and excitement.
“There are so many ways to get involved with Make-A-Wish,” Terri said. “No matter your interests, there’s something that will fit you.”
While she brings hope and joy to others, the experience is just as meaningful for her. “These are wishes they may never experience otherwise. And then Make-A-Wish says, ‘What’s your wish? We’re going to make it happen.’ Why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?”
Read Terri's full story: https://wish.org/arizona/meet-wishmakerr-terri-amabisca
March 2026 VOTM – Eric Lardy
“It’s something wonderful to look forward to — being able to provide something that you know is going to be a memory for life.” - Eric Lardy
When Eric Lardy began looking for meaningful ways to spend his time, volunteering with Make-A-Wish Arizona stood out as a way to bring lasting hope and joy to children and families facing critical illness.
“Selfishly, you’re likely going to get more out of this than what you’re going to give,” he said. Today, Eric continues to offer his time and is grateful for the opportunity to give back and be part of moments that stay with families long after a wish is granted.
Ready Eric's full story: From Small Communities to Big Wishes: How Eric Lardy Gives Back
February 2026 VOTM – Anika Lanke
One of the biggest things about Make-A-Wish is that you’re not only supporting the kid — you’re supporting their entire family.” - Anika Lanke
Meet Anika, a pre-med student at the University of Arizona, who volunteers with Make-A-Wish Arizona because she believes care goes beyond medicine. From hospital outreach and wish reveals to early-morning airport send-offs, she helps create moments of connection, joy, and normalcy for kids and families when they need it most.
Ready Anika's full story: Meet Anika Lanke: Granting Hope for Years to Come
January 2026 VOTM – Haley Austin
For Haley Austin, volunteering grows from care for her community. She looks for ways to give back that fit into her life and believes kindness can create a lasting impact. As a Make-A-Wish Arizona volunteer, Haley carries that care into every wish journey she is part of.
“I’ve always felt like if you have the time and energy to do something, you might as well,” Haley said. “You can start small. Just get your feet wet. You don’t have to jump in all at once. It will snowball from there.”
Ready Haley's full story: Meet Haley Austin: Showing Up Where It Matters Most