Make-A-Wish® Michigan grants about one wish per day for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. We believe that providing a child with their wish can provide them with a moment of happiness that can never be taken away. Check out the stories from the families we have had the opportunity to impact by fulfilling wishes through the Michigan Chapter of Make-A-Wish.
Dominique, a 16 year old teenager from Davison, Michigan is living with the effects of sickle cell anemia. David Kudla and the Mainstay staff had the wonderful opportunity to meet Dominique and her dad, David. Dominique is a bright, articulate young lady who is taking college level courses as part of an accelerated program to obtain her associates degree. She is an amazing teenager! Dominique’s wish was to go on a shopping spree, and shop she did. With the help of her girlfriends, Dominique snagged some great bargains at the local outlet mall. It was nine hours of pure girl fun with transportation provided in a limo! Mainstay presented Dominque with a bag full of shopping essentials ranging from a purse, wallet, scarf, and watch (all matching, of course) to energy bars, gum, and snacks. We were thrilled with the opportunity to meet her. David said, "Dominique’s poise, ambition, and maturity is inspiring. We wish her all the best!"
Keegan, a 5 year old boy from Davison, Michigan lives with Complex Arachnoid Cyst of the brain, among other complicated health issues. Keegan loves the Detroit Tigers, penguins, all things Toy Story, and golf. Keegan’s wish was to go to Disney World to see Mickey, Minnie, and Dora. This past August, David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management, granted Keegan’s wish by sending Keegan and his family to the resort for a weeklong trip. Mainstay presented Keegan and his family with a backpack full of essentials, including plenty of Tigers’ goodies and toys, including a stuffed penguin for the plane ride. Keegan was able to go swimming, horseback riding, and visit the parks. David and the whole Mainstay crew had the opportunity to meet Keegan and his family. David said “Keegan and his family were such a joy to meet. Keegan was so lively and a true inspiration to us all. I am humbled by his resilience and am so glad to be a part of his wish.”
Nicholas, a 13 year old boy from Grand Blanc, Michigan was diagnosed with osterosarcoma. Nicholas enjoys reading and absolutely loved the Harry Potter books and movie series. When Universal Studios opened the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in Orlando, Florida, a visit to the theme park became Nicholas’ lifetime dream. David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management, granted Nicholas his wish. Nicholas and his family were able to enjoy the Harry Potter experience first hand, all expenses paid, complements of David. Mainstay presented Nicholas and his family with a backpack full of travel essentials, including plenty of games and goodies. Upon meeting everyone, David said “It was such a pleasure to see how excited the whole family was to go and experience this fantastic trip with Nicholas. I wish them all the best”.
Zachary, an 11-year-old boy from Plymouth, Michigan, is living with the effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Zachary was able to experience the wish of a lifetime with his family when they traveled to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, thanks to a generous donation by Mainstay Capital Management’s CEO, David Kudla, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Zachary chose this wish because he always thought it would be a beautiful place to visit and he couldn’t wait to see all the animals. “Zachary’s wish is a perfect example of the simple joy that can come from taking in nature’s beauty and spending quality time outdoors. It was thrilling to see his enthusiasm and appreciation of one of our nation’s most spectacular National Parks”, said David.
Jacob, a 10 year old kidney transplant recipient, was living with end stage renal disease since being diagnosed at age two. Through a generous donation by David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, Jacob was able to fulfill his childhood wish to set sail on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship. On the cruise, Jacob and his family stopped on Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. To help prepare for the trip, David presented Jacob with a backpack filled with all the cruise essentials - snorkel gear, sun hat, sunscreen, water bottle, games, and plenty of snacks. “It was such a joy to meet Jacob and his family”, David said. ”I am especially grateful for the opportunity to make Jacob’s wish come true”.