Wish Granting Co-ordinator at the Make-A-Wish Central Coast Volunteer Branch Nicole Andrews has been a beacon of hope for critically ill children and their families for more than three years.
With a rich background in nursing and teaching, Andrews has channelled her nurturing spirit into granting wishes that provide a much-needed escape from the challenges of illness.
She has personally been involved in a dozen wish journeys, each one testament to the resilience and joy of the human spirit.
Her favourite memory is from Brax’s wish journey, where she helped orchestrate a superhero adventure that brought immense joy to a young boy’s life.
Despite the constraints of the COVID pandemic, they managed to create a magical experience that culminated in Brax and Batman teaming-up to outsmart a cunning art thief.
“I worked with another volunteer Bailey on Brax’s wish,” Andrews said.
“We were fortunate to meet with Brax and to discover what his ultimate wish was.
“It was during the period when we were only able to meet the wish child and their family via Zoom due to COVID restrictions.
“My favourite part of this wish is undoubtedly seeing the video of what Brax and Batman were able to do together in Sydney to catch the thief who stole a painting.
“I think wishes are incredibly important for kids like Brax and their families.
“From the time Make-A-Wish Australia HQ advise me of a wish child, to a team meeting with them, to the wish becoming real, is all a period of time where the wish child can think and dream about something other than their illness.
“Whether they are in hospital or at home, we get to bring them some hope and something to look forward to.
“Once their wish is over it gives the child and their family something to remember and talk about.
“It is a privilege to meet and work with these families and to watch the child’s one true wish come true.
Wishes like Brax’s are more than just a fleeting moment of happiness; they are a crucial part of the healing process.
They offer a period of anticipation and excitement that allows children to focus on their dreams rather than their illness.
The impact extends beyond the wish itself, leaving families with cherished memories that last a lifetime.
With the approach of the end of the financial year, Make-A-Wish Australia would like to invite the Central Coast community to be part of future transformative journeys.
A tax deductible donation through makeawish.org.au can help grant life-changing wishes to children like Brax, lighting up their world when they need it most.