Lake Erie College alumnae join Make-A-Wish Foundation as wish granters

A group of Lake Erie College Master of Physician Assistant Studies graduates will be helping area children in a special way.

Mia Izzo, Lucy Hanna, Julianne Knezovich, Allison Cassetta and Caitlan Herron have chosen to become “wish granters” for the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation. They will help grant the wishes of two Northeast Ohio “wish-kids” with life-threatening medical conditions.

“For starters, we will meet the families in person to learn all about them and especially about the child and what they want their wish to be,” said Knezovich. “Following that, we will work our magic along with Make-A-Wish to ensure that their wish is granted far and above their wildest dreams.”

Wish granters are not permitted to reveal personal information about their wish-kids, though families may choose to publicize their child’s participation.

“After the wishes are submitted, we will then follow up with the family and child regularly to see how the child is doing and update the Make-A-Wish Foundation on any changes in health,” Izzo said.

Recently, Knezovich, Cassetta and Herron helped to raise an estimated $500,000 for more than 70 Ohio children during Cleveland’s 2018 BIG Wish Gala at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland hotel, according to a news release.

“Through five BIG Wish Galas, Make-A-Wish raised over $2.2 million to grant local wishes, Knezovich said. “Just under 3,000 guests were greeted and supported by over 230 volunteers in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, three states linked together as a region through Make-A-Wish.”

Wishes are more than just a nice thing, a wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness, according to Make-A-Wish.

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