Wish Kid Dazon felt on top of the world during his unforgettable wish to go to New York City.
Cayenne Pe‘a - Board Chair
Tricia Fujikawa Lee – Treasurer
Travis Kikuchi – Secretary
Todd Bedford
Deanna Butler
Erik DeRyke
Rich Erickson
Kara Kashiwabara
Bong Koh
Martin Marino
Tricia Matsukawa
Dr. Angela Pratt
Jade Richardson
Mike Rompel
Ed Schultz
Garret Sugai
Dr. Rupa Wong
Aaron Yamasaki
CONNECT WITH US @MAKEAWISHHAWAII
As we enjoy the summer months, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible community that continues to make wishes possible for Hawaii keiki.
Summer is one of our busiest wish-granting seasons, with children and families traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing the hope, strength, and joy that a wish brings. But, as you’ll see throughout this issue, wishes are far more than special experiences—they create lasting memories, strengthen families, and help children look beyond the challenges of a critical illness.
This spring, our community came together in remarkable ways. During World Wish Month, supporters across the state helped raise more than $100,000 through our telethon, corporate campaigns, and other special events. We also celebrated an unforgettable evening at our WISH! Winter’s Glow gala, presented by Arrillaga Foundation, where wish families, volunteers, donors, and partners gathered to celebrate the power of a wish.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we are proud of all we have accomplished together—though our work is far from over. Every year, more than 100 keiki in Hawaii are newly diagnosed with a critical illness, and it is our vision to reach every eligible child with wishes that bring comfort, confidence, and renewed hope.
As we enjoy a summer filled with wishes, I’m inspired by the hope taking flight across the state, and by the generosity that makes each life-changing wish possible. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us reach children and families when they need it most.
Much aloha,
Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO
At Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki, Wish Kids Mikael and Rezen joined in celebrating the joy, hope and lasting impact made possible by our supporters. Learn more on page 8.
I wish to go to New York City
Dazon, 13, Honolulu congenital heart disease
At just five days old, Dazon underwent his first open-heart surgery—one of three he would need to survive.
Before he was born, Dazon’s parents learned that he would face a lifelong battle with congenital heart disease—a condition in which part of his heart did not fully develop. “We had the option to terminate him,” said his father, Gener. “But me? No. I’m a fighter. I want him to be born and alive.”
United in their decision to give Dazon a fighting chance, his mother, Reglita, traveled to the mainland weeks before her due date so Dazon could receive the specialized care he needed.
Those early days were filled with uncertainty. Dazon spent his first six months in the hospital, while his father traveled back and forth between Hawaii and California, balancing the needs of their family in Honolulu while staying close to his son and wife. Two more surgeries followed—one later that same year, and another when Dazon was just two years old. Through it all, fear and hope existed side by side.
Today, at 13, Dazon carries those experiences with quiet strength. “I try to keep things positive,” he says. “Try to have fun. Try to enjoy.”
Music has become his refuge. Whether he’s strumming his ukulele, playing guitar, or performing on the French horn in his school band, music helps him feel grounded. Inspired by artists like The Beatles and Michael Jackson, he pours emotion into every note.
Watch Dazon’s wish come true!
That love of music helped inspire Dazon’s wish to go to New York City—a place where history, culture, and the performing arts come together. For Dazon, the city was an opportunity to experience the energy and creativity that have inspired generations of artists and musicians. Thanks to the generous support of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, his dream became a reality in June.
During his wish, Dazon and his parents explored some of New York City’s most iconic destinations, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory, the Museum of Modern Art, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing MJ the Musical on Broadway. As a longtime Michael Jackson fan, Dazon was captivated by the music, storytelling, and artistry of the performance.
“I loved the music,” Dazon says. “It was really powerful.”
The experience brought together many of the things Dazon loves most—music, history, and discovering new perspectives—while creating memories he will carry with him for years to come.
For Dazon’s parents, the wish provided something just as meaningful as the destinations themselves: time together as a family, free from the routines of appointments and constant worries of medical concerns.
“It shifts our emotions,” Gener explains. “From overwhelming fear to joy. From anxiety to hope. It makes us strong.”
For Dazon, the wish was more than a trip to New York City. It was a celebration of how far he has come—and a powerful reminder of the hope, joy, and possibility that still lie ahead.
Mahalo, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines , for helping Dazon’s wish take flight!
Enjoy a glimpse of recent wishes granted thanks to your generous support!
Ten-year-old Kaniela is living with a severe neuromuscular disorder that has led to significant physical challenges over time. Activities many children enjoy—running, playing, and even sitting upright independently—are no longer possible for him. Despite facing daily challenges, his spirit remains bright, resilient, and full of imagination.
Thanks to the support of the Yamane Family Endowment Fund, Kaniela’s wish to go to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, became a reality. The wish gave Kaniela and his family an opportunity to step away from daily routines and spend meaningful time together in a peaceful, joyful setting.
During their stay, Kaniela experienced the wonder of Disney while enjoying moments of connection, comfort, and happiness his family will always cherish. He met beloved Disney characters including Goofy, Stitch, and Moana, spent time enjoying the pool, and took in the beautiful ocean views from the resort. Most importantly, the wish created precious time for Kaniela and his family to simply be together and make lasting memories. His wish created meaningful time together for his family during an incredibly difficult journey and reminded them they are not alone.
I wish to go to Aulani Kaniela, 10, Waianae neuromuscular disorder
Mahalo, Yamane Family Endowment Fund , for your heartfelt generosity to grant Kaniela’s wish!
At 13 years old, Sharday of Hilo has shown remarkable strength throughout a challenging medical journey. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, she has endured hospitalizations, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and frequent appointments with specialists. Despite these obstacles, Sharday continues to face each day with determination.
Thanks to the generous support of the Show Aloha Challenge Foundation, Sharday’s wish to sail on a Disney Cruise Line® cruise was granted.
I wish to go on a Disney Cruise Line® cruise
Sharday, 13, Hilo autoimmune disorder
Heartfelt thanks to the Show Aloha Challenge Foundation for making Sharday’s wish possible.
Sharday was surprised with the news during a special birthday celebration surrounded by family, friends, and her wish-granting volunteers. “When I found out my wish was coming true, I felt completely shocked and so happy!” she said. “It made me feel really special and loved.”
During the cruise, Sharday enjoyed unforgettable experiences with her family and beloved Disney characters. “My favorite part of my wish was spending time with my family and being on the cruise ship,” she shared. “I am forever grateful for this amazing experience.”
For Sharday and her family, the wish provided more than a vacation. It created lasting memories, renewed hope, and a joyful reminder that brighter days are on the horizon.
I wish to have a staycation on Hawaii Island Zaine, 11, Kaunakakai respiratory disorder
Mahalo, Lemman Family Foundation , for your generous support to grant Zaine’s wish!
At 11 years old, Zaine of Kaunakakai has already faced extraordinary challenges. What began as a severe sinus infection led to a stroke and life-changing complications, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair and requiring ongoing medical care. Through it all, Zaine has remained remarkably positive, meeting each day with resilience.
Because frequent medical appointments often keep him close to home on Molokai, Zaine had never visited Hawaii Island, though he always dreamed of exploring its beautiful coastline. Thanks to the generous support of the Lemman Family Foundation, that dream became a reality.
During a weeklong staycation on Hawaii Island, Zaine and his family enjoyed a much-needed opportunity to relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories together. His wish was thoughtfully designed around the things he loves most: nature, animals, and spending time outdoors. Highlights included swimming at a resort pool, attending an immersive luau, and a special VIP visit to Pana‘ewa Zoo.
Most importantly, the wish gave Zaine something beyond the experiences themselves: a chance to feel uplifted, confident, and celebrated. For a child whose world is often shaped by medical challenges, that gift will last long after the trip ends.
Kaylie is a bright, joyful 5-year-old from Honolulu who loves fairytales and dressing up as her favorite Disney princesses. She can often be found immersed in an imaginary kingdom with her two older sisters, joyfully tending to the details of their whimsical world. Her imagination has been a powerful source of comfort and escape from the daily challenges of her rare disease.
Through countless hospital visits and a year of chemotherapy, Kaylie’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® was a source of strength as she looked forward to magical days ahead. Her wish was granted thanks to the generous support of First Insurance Company of Hawaii, a joyful and much-needed escape before she bravely faces an upcoming surgery.
During her wish, Kaylie stepped into a world she had only imagined—meeting beloved princesses and experiencing the magic she had long dreamed of. What once lived in her imagination became real, creating moments her family will cherish forever.
Kaylie experienced excitement, hope, and anticipation—feelings that continue to live on after her trip. The experience strengthened her bond with her sisters and helped her engage more confidently with new people and activities.
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® to meet the princesses Kaylie, 5, Honolulu rare disease
Mahalo, First Insurance Company of Hawaii , for helping Kaylie’s wish come true!
WISH! Winter’s Glow was a beautiful evening of hope, celebration, and generosity, where wish kids, families, volunteers, medical partners, and compassionate supporters came together for one incredible mission: to bring strength and joy to keiki with critical illnesses through the life-changing power of a wish.
WISH! Winter’s Glow raised more than $1 million to grant wishes for children across the state!
One of the evening’s most heartfelt highlights was watching Wish Kid Dazon perform “Don’t Stop Believin’” live with the Spazmatics, just weeks before his wish to go to New York City was being granted. Moments like this remind us that a wish gives children the chance to dream beyond their diagnosis and families the opportunity to create joyful memories together. Your support helps ensure that the keiki still waiting will have the chance to experience the transformational magic of a wish too.
Mahalo to our sponsors, especially presenting sponsor Arrillaga Foundation, for believing in the power of a wish and for surrounding our wish ‘ohana with warmth, compassion, and aloha.
Special mahalo to Wish Kids Cruz, Dazon, Jerni, Mikael, Pandora, and Raiyha for wishing it forward by being part of the gala!
Watch the Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki recap video
Mahalo to all who joined us for the third annual Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki, presented by the Lemman Family Foundation and hosted by the Young Leaders Board!
This rooftop party at Royal Hawaiian Center’s Ka Lewa Lanai brought our community together, creating a lasting impact on the lives of children with critical illnesses across the state through the power of a wish. Wish Kids Jaynah, Ka‘aukai, Lucy, Mikael, Remi and Rezen enjoyed greeting guests with light-up bracelets and bright smiles, reminding guests of the joy and hope their support brings.
Guests mingled over bites and beverages from some of Honolulu’s most popular restaurants, while supporting children with critical illnesses across the state who are waiting for their wishes to be granted. Together, we raised nearly $150,000—a new record for this event! Cheers to granting wishes for local keiki!
April was a powerful celebration of hope, generosity, and the life-changing impact of a wish. Thanks to our incredible community of WishMakers, more than $100,000 was raised during World Wish Month to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses across the state.
A highlight of the month was our annual World Wish Month Telethon on KHON2, where viewers, donors, volunteers, wish families, and community partners came together to raise $54,250 in support of local keiki. Special mahalo to King Windward Nissan for matching all morning gifts up to $10,000 and the Love’s brand and Hawai‘i Foodservice Alliance for matching all evening gifts up to $10,000. Together, they inspired even greater generosity from our community.
Maui Divers Jewelry kicked off the month with an extraordinary gift, donating 100% of online sales on April 1 and raising more than $50,000 to help grant wishes. World Wish Month also featured impactful campaigns from Big Island Candies, Chick-fil-A, Domino’s Hawaii, and Jamba Hawaii.
From the families who shared their stories to every donor, volunteer, and partner who gave so generously, mahalo! Because of you, more children will experience the hope, strength, and joy of a wish.
Tricia Matsukawa
President Matsukawa Insurance Agency, Inc.
Tricia Matsukawa’s connection to Make-A-Wish Hawaii is rooted in both service and heart. After previously serving on the inaugural Young Leaders Board, she stayed close to the mission through events, continuing to support the organization in meaningful ways.
“Meeting wish kids is always the most memorable part,” she says. “Whether they’re sharing their wish before it happens or lighting up as they tell you about a wish that has already come true, those moments are unforgettable and remind me of the life-changing impact a wish can have.”
Today, Tricia serves on the Board of Directors and the Development Committee and continues to champion the organization in generous and hands-on ways. She gives personally, helps secure sponsorships, solicits support, and sources auction items, while also using her strong community connections to expand awareness and engagement. As a new mom, she brings empathy, purpose, and a deep commitment to the board.
For Young Leaders Board member Jade Lun, supporting Make-A-Wish Hawaii is deeply personal. Inspired by her niece, a wish recipient, she joined the organization as a volunteer
wish granter as a meaningful way to connect with the community.
Today, she continues to serve as a wish granter and wish ambassador while also serving on the Young Leaders Board. One especially meaningful experience was being a wish granter for her first wish kid, Madi. The two have remained close ever since. “We still stay in touch today, and it has been a beautiful connection,” she says.
As a graphic designer, Jade has also used her professional talents to support the mission. She is particularly proud of co-hosting a YLB pau hana, creating invitations and event décor that helped inspire others to become wish ambassadors.
Looking ahead, she hopes to see more volunteer wish granters join the organization so even more keiki can experience the life-changing power of a wish.
Kenny Tsuru celebrated his 17th birthday by launching a business—a gift to himself, his ‘ohana, and his community that keeps giving. In the months prior, Kenny began making ice cream in his home kitchen as a way to stay positive amid serious health challenges. Kenny Boy Ice Cream quickly became not only a source of strength for Kenny but a way to spread smiles and aloha.
Kenny chose Make-A-Wish Hawaii as one of his first beneficiaries, this year pledging 10% of his profits to help grant life-changing wishes for keiki with critical illnesses. In April, he furthered his impact by creating a special “Scoop of Hope” flavor, donating 20% of the month’s sales, and teaming up with classmates at Pearl City High School for a fundraiser. Kenny personally rounded up the total to $1,000 and presented a check during our World Wish Month telethon.
Kenny hopes his story will inspire fellow keiki fighting critical illnesses to keep pushing and to know they are not alone: “We’re all one big ‘ohana, one big community. Keep going even when it gets hard and look for any reason to put a smile on your face.”
To learn more about Kids For Wish Kids, visit hawaii.wish.org/kids-wish-kids.
I wish to go
KERRI KAHAPEA, LCSW, AND TRINA JONES ARTIS, LCSW, CHAMPION WISH REFERRALS AT TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
From assisting medical teams across several specialties to providing vital resources and patient care, licensed clinical social workers Kerri Kahapea and Trina Jones Artis are a dynamic duo dedicated to supporting children and families at Tripler Army Medical Center. As ardent MakeA-Wish Hawaii advocates and trusted referral partners, their impact extends beyond the hospital walls, sparking lasting joy for keiki with critical illnesses and creating a ripple effect of generosity and kindness.
Together, Kerri and Trina work to ensure every eligible child at Tripler may experience the life-changing power of a wish. In addition to making referrals, they support our mission in myriad ways, acting as liaisons between the hospital and the wish team while supporting families throughout their journeys.
“Whatever the need is, they jump in without hesitation,” says Make-A-Wish Hawaii Mission & Medical Outreach Specialist Megan Seriguchi. “They’re consistently kind, responsive, and genuinely excited when they hear wish updates. You can tell they’re fulfilled by helping others.”
Over the years, Kerri and Trina have helped make numerous wishes possible, including 12-year-old David’s wish to meet his favorite YouTuber, Mr. Beast, and 12-year-old Priden’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® .
Wish
Kerri and Trina are humble about the impact of their support, instead crediting the donors, volunteers, and community supporters who come together to bring wishes to life following each referral. Says Kerri, “The referral is just paper—a small piece in what comes after.”
But every wish, and all the magic that comes with it, begins with a referral.
“I see myself and Kerri and any person that makes a referral as a drop of water into a larger body of water, like a ripple,” explains Trina. “Knowing that we create that ripple effect is pretty amazing.”
For many of their patients, particularly military families who are far from their support systems, navigating a critical diagnosis can feel isolating. More than just one day or one experience, a wish offers community and a caring ‘ohana when it’s needed most, uplifting and empowering not only patients and their families but Kerri and Trina themselves.
“The thing I value most as a medical social worker is trying to bring a little bit of happiness, joy, or hope each time we enter the hospital room, and Make-A-Wish helps me do that. I literally feel a physical boost when I think about it,” says Trina. “Even if I’ve had a terrible day, I know I’ve done something that can make a difference not just for one person but for an entire family and all the people a wish touches.”
Mahalo nui loa to Kerri and Trina for their continued support of our mission. To make a referral or learn about other ways you can get involved, visit hawaii.wish.org.
“I’ll participate in Make-A-Wish in some capacity for the rest of my life because of the changes I see that it makes. No matter who you are and what position you hold, you can offer some hope to families.”
–TRINA JONES ARTIS
HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SHINES THROUGH TWO DECADES OF SWING FOR WISHES.
The team at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa is committed to “caring for people so they can be their best”—a driving purpose that extends beyond the guests they serve and into the local community. A longstanding partner of MakeA-Wish Hawaii, Hyatt supports our mission in numerous ways, most notably through the annual Swing for Wishes golf tournament. Now in its 20th year, Swing for Wishes has become one of Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s most important fundraising events, raising more than $2.23 million since its inception to transform the lives of Hawaii keiki with critical illnesses and their families.
“The tournament has grown into a powerful community tradition that has brought hope, joy, and strength to local children,” said Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa General Manager Eron Hodges. “As Swing for Wishes enters two decades of success this year, our goal is to build on its legacy, continue to strengthen our partnership, and ensure future generations of wish keiki experience the joy and encouragement that a wish provides.”
The 20th Annual Swing for Wishes golf tournament will be held on October 15, 2026 at Hawaii Prince Golf Club. To create a team or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit swingforwishes.com or call 808.537.3118. CORPORATE
Each year, Swing for Wishes rallies hundreds of Hyatt colleagues and community supporters behind the life-changing power of a wish. For Eron and his team, one of the most memorable parts of the tournament is meeting the local wish families who join golfers on the green and help kick off the day: “To hear their stories, to understand the difficulties and challenges they have endured, and to see their smiles, their strength, and their resilience all reinforces the impact we at Hyatt are making one child at a time.”
This year marks another significant milestone for Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: its 50th anniversary. As Hyatt recognizes the people and partnerships that have shaped its success over the past five decades, it also honors its commitment to giving back to the community. The hotel has generously selected MakeA-Wish Hawaii as the beneficiary of its upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration and private auction.
In addition to supporting local wishes, Hyatt extends aloha to visiting wish families from around the country, welcoming them to its Waikiki property and helping to bring magical wishes to life. In 2024, Hyatt hosted Stella’s wish to meet a mermaid, turning its pool into a mermaid grotto for an unforgettable experience with Mermaid Sirenity.
“Knowing that a family’s stay may become a cherished memory during a challenging chapter in their lives inspires our Hyatt ‘ohana to go above and beyond and reflects back to the heart of Hyatt’s purpose,” said Eron.
Mahalo nui loa to Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa for its continued support in transforming lives, one wish at a time.
900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1200
Honolulu, HI 96813
www.hawaii.wish.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Every wish experience begins with a referral. If there is a child that you are considering referring for a wish, please do not wait.
Just knowing that a wish is coming is powerful.
Children must meet these criteria at the time of referral:
• Diagnosed with a critical illness, i.e. a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that is placing the child’s life in jeopardy
• Older than 2 ½ years and younger than 18
• Has not received a wish from another wish-granting organization
Visit wish.org/refer-a-child to start the wish journey for a child today. Start the Referral Process