Volunteer

Only volunteering since April 2009, Lourdes Nieves from Florida City has already impacted the lives of 12 children as a wish granter. On top of that, she also dove head first into other Make-A-Wish endeavors including special events and welcoming children to South Florida as an airport greeter.

Lourdes was inspired to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation® when she was living in New Jersey and suffered a back injury. The pain was so debilitating that she didn’t want to get out of bed. She made a resolution right then and there to become a Make-A-Wish supporter as soon as she was strong enough and fully recovered.

Two years ago, she drove down to Florida to live closer to her mother. Her next order of business was to attend a Volunteer Orientation. Lourdes said, “I wanted to be associated with the Foundation because of the great work that it does. Volunteering has brought out my human side, giving me an outlet to make a difference in others’ lives.” Lourdes credits the South Florida climate with making her a different person and she also believes that a fulfilled wish has the same effect on a sick child.

If Lourdes could make a wish, it would be to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She said, “It may seem small to some people but it was a goal of mine for a very long time.” Since she has already realized this wish, she would wish to go to Rome to see all the old structures and beautiful architecture or be a race car driver for the day because she loves anything that deals with speed.