Sharon Hext, a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was honored for her long-standing commitment to children with life-threatening illnesses at the organization’s annual Volunteer Recognition event earlier this summer.

Sharon has played many roles during her service. In the chapter’s beginning years, Sharon was responsible for actually assigning wishes to volunteers.   Sharon has also acted as wish committee chairperson, as a member of both the honorary board of directors and governing board of directors, and as a mentor of new and existing volunteers.   Sharon has also been an integral part of other chapter events and duties such as fund raising and wish family support.

However, while each of those roles has played an important part in the foundation’s history, Sharon has made the biggest difference by actually granting the wishes of literally hundreds of children.   She has granted more wishes than any other wish granter in the local chapter. With a fellow volunteer, Sharon met with each child and family in their home to get to know the child, determine what the child’s most heartfelt wish was, and then worked hard with the Make-A-Wish team to make it the most magical and unique experience possible.

According to Executive Director Bryan LaVigne, “it would not be much of an exaggeration to say that she has had her hand in nearly 50% of the wishes the chapter has granted.   Since we granted our 500th children’s wish in early July that is a significant accomplishment.” Other wish granters, families and children all agreed, adding that Sharon always has a wonderful, easy rapport with the children she works with and makes families feel so comfortable.   One family noted, “It’s like Sharon became a part of our family when she granted our son’s wish.”

The award capped off 12 years of service to the children that the Make-A-Wish Foundation serves. Sharon recently reflected on those years, expressing gratitude for the experience. “My 12 years have been such wonderful years. Working with…all the special children I have had the pleasure of knowing has so enriched my life.”

Sharon recently finished up work on her final wishes, including the granting of the chapter’s milestone 500th wish, and has retired to Maine. However, it is clear that Sharon’s influence and compassion will continue to be felt throughout the chapter for many more years to come, as the children Sharon has worked with will continue to touch her through wonderful memories.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Recently, children served by the Northeast New York chapter have had wishes granted for a fishing boat, a Disney Cruise Line Land and Sea Vacation, a Barney party, and a Christmas to Remember.   If you know a child that you think might be eligible for a wish, or if you would like to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, please call (518) 782-HOPE (4673).

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