Rachel Janneck, Alaskan Wish-Granting Volunteer
When it comes to volunteering, it's a family affair for longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer Rachel Janneck of Wasilla, Alaska. Although she began her tenure as a volunteer with our chapter more than 10 years ago when she was single and had no children, she now appreciates the Foundation's mission even more as she gets to share it with her entire family, especially her children.
"My kids are always by my side fundraising for Make-A-Wish," said Janneck.
In fact, her daughter Courtney and son Zachary recently single-handedly raised $1,000 to benefit our chapter at the Graze to Raise Walk in Anchorage. We salute Rachel for her continued commitment to volunteering and are honored to share her volunteer perspective.
Q: How has your volunteer experience with Make-A-Wish affected you?
A: It has made me appreciate my children more. I've seen a lot of [wish] kids, including a couple that haven't made it. I treasure all the children that are a part of my life, even other people's kids who are in my life.
Q: What is one of the more memorable wishes you have helped to coordinate?
A: Joshua was house-bound due to illness. He really liked video games and cartoons, but his VCR and TV were broken. For his wish, we re-did his whole living room. We got him a new entertainment center, TV, DVD, VCR, X-Box, Playstation, Nintendo 64 and about five games for each system. Although he couldn't speak, he started crying and kept crying when he saw all the new additions.
Q: What words come to mind that describe your experience with Make-A-Wish?
A: Energetic, inspiring, awe, wonder, amazing
You can make a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions by becoming a wish granting volunteer. Visit www.northwestwishes.org to learn more about volunteering and register for a training near you.
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