About me:
My name is Byron, and I’m a resident of Roslindale, Massachusetts. In my professional life, I am an information technology professional in the healthcare industry. I enjoy time outside hiking, riding my motorcycle, and working on cars. I have two teenage children, ages 16 and 12.

In what ways do you volunteer at Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island?
I have been involved with Make-A-Wish for the past 12 years as a bilingual wish grantor and it has been an activity that consistently brings me joy. I was recently selected for the Volunteer Captain's Group, and in this role, I will serve as a mentor to new volunteers and provide advice and expertise to the Make-A-Wish staff to help strengthen and grow the volunteer program.

How did you initially become involved with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island?
The father of a woman I worked for passed away and in lieu of flowers, she requested donations to the local chapter of Make-A-Wish. I donated, learned about the organization, and fell in love with the mission.

What languages do you speak?
Spanish, mostly. I’m also learning Portuguese. It’s not good enough to help with a wish just yet but I hope that changes soon. I provide translation support about six times a year or whenever the organization needs me.

What is it like to be a bilingual wish grantor?
Supporting families in communicating in their native language feels amazing. During a time of intense stress, we remove a barrier to communication. We also provide a way for people to connect in a real and meaningful way, often when family resources and support are not available due to geographic or logistical challenges. To be able to say to someone, "I am worried about this, and I don't know how to tell these people about this... " and be understood and reassured is incredibly powerful. When families are facing huge issues, it is of great comfort to know there is someone helping to bridge the gap. It is incredibly rewarding to serve as that bridge in communication if nothing else to be a sympathetic ear and help their voice be heard.

Why is Make-A-Wish special to you?
It is a life-affirming endeavor, and it brings me joy to bring a smile to a child or a family struggling with life-threatening conditions. As a parent, I recognize the sacrifice parents are willing to make to make their child better. I also understand that when a child is sick, it is not just the child going through the illness, but the entire family goes through the odyssey together. It is for this reason that I love that Make-A-Wish includes siblings and others in the fulfillment of a wish; because these things don't happen in a vacuum and the hope for normalcy has to include the entire family.

What is your most memorable Make-A-Wish moment?
The 7,000th wish send off for a five-year-old to Disney was absolutely magical. The call came out for volunteers to stand in for paparazzi and to see so many people turn up to bring a smile to a little girl's face was pure magic. That so many strangers would rally for a little girl gave me and continues to give me renewed hope for humankind. I continually see the best in people as we work to make wishes come true and this fills my spiritual cup.

How has your volunteering given you a sense of community?
I experience community through volunteering by partnering up with other volunteers from all walks of life. Even if we are coming at this from very different life experiences, all volunteers I have worked with are mission driven to make a positive impact for a child with a life- threatening condition. I love to work with people who I can learn from and be inspired by their commitment to the mission.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Make-A-Wish Volunteer?
I would say do it, because not only do you get a good feeling from helping families but you get to see the best intentions in people and you get more from it than what you put into it.

Is there anything you would like to add about your recent wish-granting experiences?
I provided translation support for a magical wish experience where the wish child wanted to ride a horse. Not only did our wish child get to ride a horse but a horse was named in her honor and the entire family was able to partake in watching her ride the horse around a track and take pictures with it. The entire experience was wonderful, and it reaffirmed for me why the work of Make-A-Wish is so important; because it provides a magical experience for children who have endured huge health challenges.