Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York

It's my birthday, and this year, I want to celebrate by giving back! Instead of gifts, I'm asking you to help me support Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York. This incredible organization creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, bringing joy and hope during challenging times.

Your donations will directly support their mission by:

• Granting wishes that provide unforgettable experiences for children and their families.
• Covering essential costs, from travel arrangements to special equipment, ensuring every wish is fulfilled.

Choosing Make-A-Wish for my birthday fundraiser feels personal to me because I believe every child deserves a moment of joy and magic, especially in their toughest times. Together, we can make dreams come true. Please consider donating in lieu of gifts this year!

Joshua Woodward was born on September 14th, 2001, and was born with spinal bifida and had other health issues throughout his life. Joshua entered our lives when he was 14 months old through foster care. He was adopted as part of our family officially with the adoption date of 11.20.2004. Some of Joshua's favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, video games, listening to music, loved animals and his pets, watching sports, and hanging out with his family. He was obviously part of the Bills Mafia, but his favorite teams were the New England Patriots, with Tom Brady being his favorite quarterback. Josh was a Lakers fan as well. He graduated from Cleveland Hill High School in 2019. He was a part-time employee at Amazon. In 2017, Make-A-Wish contacted us and said Joshua was nominated to have a wish granted. Joshua's wish was to go to Hawaii to see Pearl Harbor, swim with dolphins, and go snorkeling. Joshua's wish was granted and his dream vacation was set for July 16th-23rd of 2017. Joshua had the time of his life with his family and all of his wishes were granted and more. Joshua's smile did not leave his face this whole vacation and this was one of the best moments of his life. Joshua passed unexpectedly on June 17th 2021. He would have wanted other kids and families with disabilities and chronic illnesses to make lifetime memories and experience what he did.  All of these donations are going directly to the Make-A-Wish foundation of New York, so other kids like Josh can have their wishes granted. 

I'm raising money to benefit Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. More information about Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

IN-SIGHT: The Unseen Road (Part I)    |    EN VUE: La Route Invisible (Partie I) 

On February 27th, on behalf of Fondation Amal, I will be running the Rockapulco  1/2 marathon in New York, completely blindfolded, to raise awareness for kids with visual impairments. To truly gain insight into the lives of these special needs children, Collin will be my guide acting as my "eyes" throughout the race, helping steer me safely across the finish line while using verbal and physical cues. 

Want to know why we're really doing this? Listen to our personal stories below!

In our 1st cross-border (USA-Canada) collaboration, Fondation Amal has partnered with the Make-A-Wish® Metro New York  and Make-A-Wish® / Rêves d'enfants Canada chapters, to raise funds for their wish program. COVID-19 has disrupted our lives globally, however, wish kids with visual impairments are especially at risk as their special needs' requirements do not stop for the pandemic, making them among the most vulnerable in our community. Now more than ever, these kids need our help! 

Please donate in memory of Mike. A giant among men.  He loved everyone and would ask for your help raising money for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, Inc. (Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York), and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that meant so much to him. 

More information about Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, Inc. (Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York): Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York serves children and families in the five boroughs or New York City, Nassau County and 17 counties in the Buffalo and Rochester areas.

This year has been  rough for me, but it made me realize that many other people have it much worse than I do. So in the spirit of the holidays, I will be raising money for the Make A Wish Foundation. Let’s help make those kids dreams come true!