Foreword by Stephanie Springs, CEO Make-A-Wish Illinois

Every once in a while, we all have encounters that change our lives, impacting us in ways that we could never have imagined. These moments can be challenging, they can bring with them fear, they can eventually bring much joy. Julienne and Ron Lentz have been a part of Make-A-Wish®, an organization that becomes a part of a family’s life in very difficult, scary moments. Through a Make-A-Wish experience, a very sick child’s world turns from one of fear and sadness to one filled with hope, strength and joy, enriching their lives in that moment and every day after.

Julienne and Ron have been incredible volunteer wish granters for more than 22 years. They have fully embraced the challenges that our families face in their health battle and have brought them moments of pure joy. This book, “Opened Our Hearts” shares the beautiful stories of some of our very courageous wish children. It inspires and ignites the human spirit of helping each other. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the wish families and truly reveals the incredible impact that wishes have on a community–-first and foremost the wish children, their families, the wonderful volunteers who make this magic happen, and all who are impacted by these special children.

Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for sharing your wish children’s stories. Thank you for bringing the mission of Make-A-Wish alive for the readers of “Opened Our Hearts.”

By Stephanie Springs, CEO Make-A-Wish Illinois