Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Husby.
Hi Suzanne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined the Make-A-Wish team back in 2003 as an intern right out of college and have held many positions over the years; it’s actually the only place I’ve ever worked! I spent the majority of my career in the “Wish Department” as we call it- working directly with our wish families, volunteers, and medical partners to make wishes come true. In 2021, I had the opportunity to move from my role leading the Wish Team into the CEO seat and it’s an honor to serve the organization in this capacity. I feel like I’ve truly grown up at Make-A-Wish over the past 21+ years!
I am an active wish granting volunteer and am taking on the Trailblaze Challenge for the sixth year in a row, training and fundraising right alongside our hikers. I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of the Make-A-Wish mission and am proud to be part of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our work is full of extreme highs and lows, some of which happen in the same week or even the same day. We’re coming into each family’s life at a difficult time- when their child is dealing with illness, so we experience the emotions as we become part of their journey. At the same time, we’re continuously seeing our community at its very best- strangers coming together to rally around a child and lift them up when it’s needed most. The juxtaposition of these very different emotions can sometimes take a toll, leading to compassion fatigue.
It’s important for our team to lean on each other and to be equipped with the tools and resources needed to sustain and refresh so that together, we can continue doing this important work. One of the reasons I’ve stayed with Make-A-Wish for more than two decades is simple: the people. I get to spend my time surrounded by people from all walks of life who choose to band together to bring joy to kids dealing with illness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our mission is to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, providing them with hope, strength, and joy. Make-A-Wish San Diego relies on the support of the community to fulfill every child’s wish. We create memorable experiences that empower the children we serve to face their medical challenges with renewed determination.
Make-A-Wish San Diego is part of the national network of local chapters, each is an independent nonprofit serving its local community. For us, that means our wish families, medical partners, volunteers, donors, and staff all live here in San Diego and Imperial Counties. We have granted more than 5,400 life-changing wishes for local children to date and have welcomed thousands more from across the country who wished to visit San Diego.
The idea that every wish child is at end-of-life is a misconception. Most kids go on to live long beyond their wish experience. Medical professionals and parents often credit the wish itself with being the positive turning point that helped the child fight through their illness.
A wish has the power to change a child’s mental state and provide them with a sense of empowerment and hope for the future. Most Make-A-Wish alumni, parents, and medical providers agree that the wish experience contributes to physical, mental, and emotional health.
Every dollar has been generously donated by individuals, corporations, community partners, and grant funders, or through bequests/planned gifts. We rely on in-kind partners for discounts and donations to enhance each wish experience and to help make our funds go further.
Our fundraising events include
-Trailblaze Challenge: 28-mile, one day hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers train while raising funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish. Three separate hike weekends take place in Big Bear in May 2025.
-Wine & Wishes: black tie gala held at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, taking place October, 11 2025.
-External fundraisers- community members frequently host events to benefit Make-A-Wish. The current calendar can be found on our website
Our current needs are:
-Bilingual volunteers, fluent in Spanish & English to serve as Wish Granters
-Alaska Airlines miles and Southwest Airlines gift cards to help fund travel wishes
-Monetary contributions to support wish granting expenses
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re passionate about the work and have a strong sense of why you’re doing it, hold on through all the ups and downs. It’s easier said than done but if you stay focused on the bigger picture, take every struggle and mistake as a learning moment, and surround yourself with good people, you can accomplish just about anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wish.org/sandiego
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishsandiego/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoWish/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-foundation-of-san-diego/
- Twitter: https://x.com/wishsandiego?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wishsandiego
Image Credits
Trevor Stolebarger
Joe Ramirez
