Featured Volunteer
July Featured Volunteer - Peter Terkildsen
Wish Granter Peter Terkildsen knows first-hand the power of a wish. In 2008, Peter's daughter Sofia wished to go to Walt Disney World. The Terkildsen Family enjoyed every moment of their wish. Peter said, "We almost forgot for a week how much Sofia was going through." Inspired by her happiness and such a positive experience, he signed on as a Make-A-Wish volunteer within days of returning from their magical getaway to Florida. He wanted share the power of a wish®. Peter has transitioned from wish dad to wish Granter, already granting five wishes with three more in progress. His compassion and warm heart continues to help dreams come true. Peter is also a member of the Speaker's Bureau and recently became a mentor for new wish granters.
One of Peter's favorite volunteer experiences was granting the wishes of two brothers from Elmhurst. Both boys were diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disease called chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).
"I was really excited to help grant both Eric and Nicholas' wishes," Peter said. "These selfless boys had wishes that their whole family could benefit from." Eric, age 8 wished for a family vacation to Atlantis and Nicholas, age 10 wished for an electronics shopping spree.
The staff and families of Make-A-Wish are very grateful to have Peter on board.
"Peter goes above and beyond for every wish family," Wish Coordinator Courtney Hagen said. "He continues to step-up and is a very effective communicator with the Wish families and staff. Peter is not only great to work with but he is also great with wish families."
Peter's enthusiasm and dedication really shined through, when Ryan wished to go to Ireland. His family had never flown before and
Peter reassured them with frequent visits, step-by-step help, and even assistance with the chaos at O'Hare International Airport.
Inspired by the smiles of the children he as granted wishes to, Peter looks forward to continuing his volunteer service. He remembers his own daughter's joy when her wish was granted and is happy that he is now helping to bring that joy to others.
Wish Families consistently rate their experience with the Foundation as highly positive, with a 99% quality rating from Wish Families.
